Muncie Indiana Transit System, Ozinga join B20 Club of Indiana

Photo: MITS

The B20 Club of Indiana recently welcomed two new fleets as members: the Muncie Indiana Transit System and Ozinga.

MITS, servicing Muncie, Indiana, where Ball State University is located, operates 33 full-size transit buses fueled with a 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20). MITS has been using biodiesel for nearly a decade, according to the B20 Club of Indiana.

“Biodiesel has had a positive impact on our fleets with no changes needed to facilitate the switch,” said Larry “Pete” Shields, MITS’s director of maintenance. “We use it just like conventional diesel. B20 is here to stay at MITS.”

Ozinga is a fourth-generation, family-owned bulk-materials and concrete business that has been using B20 for five years. The company consumes 900,000 gallons of B20 a year to fuel more than 130 vehicles. According to the B20 Club of Indiana, Ozinga is providing more than $100,000 in health benefits a year through its use of B20.

“We’re always looking for cleaner fuels to use at Ozinga,” said Jeff Bonnema, vice president of fleet management. “Not only is biodiesel clean, but it’s also benefitting American farmers and it’s a great-performing fuel.”

The B20 Club of Indiana, a collaboration between the American Lung Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance, recognizes and supports Indiana fleets committed to using B20 and higher levels of biodiesel.

“When fleets commit to biodiesel, they’re committing to improved community health and a cleaner future,” said Jim Douglas, an ISA board member and farmer from Flat Rock, Indiana. “From the farmer to the fleet, biodiesel is making a real difference in Indiana.”

Bailey Arnold, senior manager of clean-air initiatives for the American Lung Association, said, “Our members are committed to reducing emissions, enhancing air quality and improving the overall health of Indiana communities. We’re looking forward to working with these exceptional fleets to fuel a cleaner future.”

MITS and Ozinga join existing fleet members Al Warren Oil Company, Altom Transport Inc., Ball State University and the city of Fort Wayne.

To be a B20 Club member, fleets must be Indiana-based and use biodiesel blends of 20 percent or higher at least six months out of the year. Beyond fleet members, the club also accepts affiliate groups such as nonprofits and government agencies that recognize the benefits of biodiesel and associate members that sell or market B20 to Indiana-based customers. Today the B20 Club of Indiana has seven affiliated partners and four associate members.