The Red and Black

University buses could soon be running on biodiesel fuel.

Friday was the deadline for biodiesel suppliers to bid for a contract with the University, and one could be selected as early as this week, said Ron Hamlin, manager of the Campus Transit System.

"There's no reason really not to do it," said Daniel Geller, a faculty of engineering public service representative.

"This stuff does not wreck engines, it's better for engines."

The prices of petroleum and biodiesel are the same right now, Geller said, and biodiesel is the easiest alternative fuel the University can use.

However, the University will purchase new buses soon with warranties that only allow for 5 percent biodiesel.

The buses on campus now can use 100 percent biodiesel, said Jessica Hoehn, the president of Students for Environmental Awareness.

She said campus transit plans to use 20 percent biodiesel fuel in the buses.

"We're pushing for more," Hoehn said, regarding the buses.

"The more we push for, the cleaner our air will be."

SEA and the Student Government Association are researching and meeting with administrators about biodiesel, SEA member Jennifer Pocock said.

Tom Adams, the director of Outreach Service in the College of Engineering, advised SEA and the SGA to set up a trust fund to subsidize the cost of biodiesel for when prices get too high because prices for biodiesel and petroleum fluctuate, he said.

He suggested making a permanent $1 increase in student transportation fees per semester to pay for biodiesel if prices ever exceed petroleum prices.

"For a small increase, you could make a large trust fund," he said.

SEA is looking for student support, Hoehn said. If students are informed of the health benefits of biodiesel, they might support a fee increase, she said.

SGA is meeting with administrators to discuss cost and is working on proposals to show student support for biodiesel on campus, said SGA president Jamie Peper.

SEA also wants a biodiesel refinery built on campus, although that it is more of a long-term goal, Hoehn said.

There is the issue, however, of whether the University should compete with private business, Adams said.

"Right now it's easier to buy the finished product," Geller said, adding that biodiesel has to meet strict quality standards.

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