Sprague Energy and the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) celebrated the grand opening of the first retail station in the Bronx offering renewable diesel (RD), marking a significant step toward cleaner air with sustainable, low-carbon, non-fossil fuel options in the community. This opening holds even greater significance as it represents only the second retail station in New York offering RD. Sprague, a leader in clean energy solutions, opened the first such station earlier this year in Brooklyn in conjunction with Sonomax.
Renewable Diesel is Part of the Solution
The grand opening, held at the JK Petroleum Station in Hunts Point on October 29th, 2024, brought together key stakeholders committed to improving air quality. Highlighting the need for renewable fuels in Hunts Point, an area with disproportionately high rates of asthma, as reported by the Health Department, the event showcased the immediate benefits of RD.
RD is a crucial component of improving air quality in cities. New York City data from 2020 revealed that Hunts Point has triple the city average of hospitalizations for children with asthma and four times the rate for adults. RD can reduce harmful emissions by up to 65% on average according to the US Department of Energy. This immediate reduction in greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and NOx emissions is particularly important because according to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation is the US’s leading source of greenhouse gas emissions at 28%.
Renewable Diesel for Cleaner Air Today
The event began at 10 a.m., and Julie Tighe, President of the NYLCV, emphasized RD’s immediate impact on cleaner air and fleet ease of use: “Renewable Diesel allows us to cut down on pollution now. We can use it compatibly with existing diesel engines, making it an accessible option for fleet operators and local businesses alike.”
Following Tighe, Dave Glendon, CEO of Sprague Energy, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding the use of RD and reducing harmful emissions. “We are pleased to partner with JK in making this fuel available to the food industry and other downstream consumers,” said Glendon, “With approximately 15,000 trucks traveling through the Hunts Point area each day, we can make an enormous difference now in the emissions profile of Hunt’s Point with a transition to renewable fuel, improving the air quality in the Bronx.”
The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) expressed its commitment to sustainability and highlighted the role of RD in their transition to cleaner energy solutions. Director of Metro Region Operations for TANY Zach Miller stated, “We want to be sustainable. We want to be good partners and do right by the communities that we serve. An increase in renewable diesel consumption will help our fleets of all sizes be more sustainable today as we transition to the end solutions, be it electric, hydrogen, or something else.”
Empire Clean Cities, a non-profit organization focused on clean air, provided insights into the pollution challenges in Hunts Point, often referred to as “Asthma Alley” due to diesel truck traffic. Joy Gardener, Executive Director of Empire Clean Cities, stated, “Renewable diesel allows fleet operators to take impactful, immediate action on emissions from their existing vehicles. This flexibility is essential as we work to improve air quality and protect public health here and now while simultaneously working toward a cleaner, zero-emission future.”
Miguel Calderon Manager, Workforce and Community Development of the Greater Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation highlighted the positive impact of RD on the community’s health, stating, “The next generation that is going to be born and raised in this community should be afforded cleaner air, should be able to not suffer from asthma. We stand behind Sprague and it’s an excellent thing answering the needs of the community that has long been unanswered.”
Following the speakers, a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the station, marking a significant milestone for the community. Attendees from Sprague Energy, NYLCV, and other partner organizations gathered to celebrate this achievement. News 12 covered the event, with Reporter Dan Serafin highlighting the importance of this new clean fuel option for the Bronx community. To commemorate the occasion, trucks from the New York Times, Walton Hauling, Star Transportation and Sprague Energy fueled up at the station, demonstrating the immediate availability of renewable diesel and ease of switching to this drop-in replacement.
A Clear Path Forward
The opening of the first retail station offering RD in the Bronx marks a significant milestone in pursuing cleaner air and sustainable transportation. By providing access to this cleaner non-fossil fuel, Sprague and its partners are empowering local businesses and communities to reduce their environmental impact. As the demand for renewable fuel continues to grow, it’s clear that this innovative fuel solution will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future for the Bronx and beyond. To meet this growing demand, renewable diesel is now available at JK Petroleum in the Bronx, located at 1081 Leggett Ave, and is open 24 hours to meet the needs of the produce, fish, meat markets and all local industries. RD is also available for rack loading and delivery from the Sprague Bronx, NY, and Albany, NY terminals. Commercial and fleet services are available at the Sprague Lawrence Terminal.
For more information about renewable diesel, please visit www.spragueenergy.com/renewable-diesel.
For full news coverage, please visit: https://youtu.be/I1LO17AXvdk
