New York City completes fleet transition to renewable diesel

Photo: NYC DCAS

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Louis A. Molina announced Oct. 3 that 100 percent of the city’s 12,500 heavy-duty and off-road vehicles have completed the transition to renewable diesel, making New York City the first major East Coast city to implement this green technology at such a large scale.

Since the start of the transition in September 2023, renewable diesel has replaced more than 12 million gallons of fossil diesel and already has been used to power the city’s fleet of garbage trucks, ambulances, work trucks, emergency generators and more.

The transition will prevent 162 million pounds of global carbon-dioxide emissions from entering the air every year, and, according to New York City, it will serve as “an important bridge fuel as viable electric versions of these vehicles are developed and placed into the market.”

Adams said, “Building a safer city also means protecting New Yorkers from the dangers posed by carbon emissions and climate change. Transitioning our entire heavy-duty fleet to renewable diesel is an important step on our path to carbon neutrality and a clear indication of our commitment to a cleaner, greener New York City.” 

The transportation sector is responsible for nearly 28 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions in New York City, according to Ydanis Rodriguez, the city’s transportation commissioner.

“But that means it can also be a key part of the solution,” Rodriguez said. “Reducing dependence on fossil fuels offers a key step towards a greener and healthier New York City. Transitioning the city’s heavy-duty vehicle fleet to renewable diesel shows that the city is leading by example and is finding new ways to reduce its carbon footprint.” 

Robert Tucker, New York City’s fire commissioner, added, “Keeping New Yorkers safe is the FDNY’s top priority. Now, thanks to renewable diesel, we’re able to do that more efficiently and with less impact on the environment, without any impact on fire and medical operations. The FDNY is proud to be fully compliant, with renewable diesel in all of our firetrucks and ambulances. That’s a win for the city, and a win for the environment.”  

The renewable diesel used by New York City is supplied by Brooklyn-based Approved Oil, which won a long-term contract with the city last year.