RENSSELAER, NY – New York League of Conservation Voters and Sprague Operating Resources LLC hosted a press conference today to
celebrate the availability of renewable diesel at the Sprague Fuel Terminal in Rensselaer, NY which will service trucking companies and wholesalers in the Upstate Region. Earlier this year, Sprague opened New York City’s first retail fuel station dispensing renewable diesel supplied from Sprague’s NYC Bronx Terminal.
Renewable diesel affords an immediate reduction of greenhouse gasses, particulate matter small particles, and NOx emissions. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in New York. Low-carbon fuel options for existing vehicles will immediately cut transportation emissions and help New York meet its bold climate goals.
Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters said:
“Today marks an important achievement in environmental progress as renewable diesel arrives at the Sprague Fuel Terminal in Rensselaer, NY, bolstering cleaner energy and public health in the Capital Region. This significant step forward, following Sprague Energy’s recent entry into renewable diesel retail with the Sonomax station in Brooklyn, underscores the urgent need to transition away from dirty fossil fuels to combat greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollution. While electrification efforts advance, embracing low-carbon fuel options like renewable diesel is crucial to meeting the State’s ambitious climate goals. We must ultimately implement a clean fuel standard to ensure widespread adoption and sustained investment in cleaner energy solutions.”
David Glendon, President and CEO, Sprague Operating Resources LLC said: “We are very excited to further expand our renewable fuel supply at the Sprague Rensselaer/Albany Terminal and look forward to helping propel adoption of renewable diesel in upstate New York and across our entire Northeast footprint. Sprague has over 150 years of experience helping our customers navigate these energy transitions, and we will continue to innovate and invest in cleaner fuels and sustainable solutions for all our valued customers and communities we serve to decarbonize.
Kendra Hems, President, Trucking Association of New York said: “The Trucking Association of New York congratulates Sprague Operating Resources for proactively taking this step toward a more sustainable future. The use of renewable diesel provides a pathway to greener transportation by providing an immediate reduction in carbon emissions without requiring a significant investment in new equipment. It is an important stepping stone toward reaching New York’s goal of reducing transportation related greenhouse gas emissions and supports the trucking industry’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.”
Kris DeLair, Executive Director, Empire State Energy Association said: “Renewable diesel provides us with yet another proven and affordable solution to significantly decarbonize both the transportation and heating sectors. Moreover, renewable diesel can seamlessly replace conventional diesel without requiring modifications to existing engines or fuel systems. I commend Sprague and all of our member companies for their forward-thinking approach and their steadfast dedication to protecting the environment and serving their customers. Their efforts exemplify the industry’s proactive stance in reducing emissions through the delivery and use of renewable liquid fuels. ESEA and its members are fully committed to leading New York State towards a greener, more sustainable energy future. We believe that through continued innovation.”
Barry Carr, Coalition Director, Clean Communities of Central NY said: “As Director of Clean Communities of Central NY; a US DOE Sanctioned Clean Cities and Communities Coalitions, we are excited Sprague Energy is bringing renewable fuels to Upstate NY. Our focus is on offering Clean Transportation options, and renewable diesel, made from waste products is a “drop in” fuel that can have immediate effects on emissions and offer an opportunity for fleets to immediately lower their carbon footprint.”
Jacob Beeman, Capitol Region Transportation Council said: “The Capital District Clean Communities Coalition is a U.S. Department of Energy designated coalition in the Clean Cities and Communities partnership. We are excited that Sprague Energy has made the commitment to bring renewable diesel to New York’s Capital Region. Our mission is to help fleets reduce dependence on petroleum resources and reduce transportation emissions in the Capital Region. Renewable diesel provides a direct low-emission alternative to traditional diesel without the need for costly fleet modifications or installation of fueling infrastructure.”
Jeffrey Palmerino, Teamsters Local 294 said: “We applaud Sprague for introducing renewable diesel to the Capitol District area to afford our members, their families and the upstate area to breathe cleaner air. These immediate emission reductions by this drop in fuel supports everyone to meet clean air goals today while we transition to other potential sustainable solutions in the future.”
Brian Brundige, Vice President of Operations, Terpening Trucking Company said: “Terpening Trucking Company has been serving New York and the surrounding states since 1916. With over 250 employees, including nearly 160 HazMat and TWIC certified truck drivers, we cover more than 7 million miles annually. A significant part of our business involves transporting various fuels, including renewable fuel. We are strong supporters of renewable diesel and the efficiencies they bring to today’s emission standards and beyond including reduced maintenance. Achieving fuel efficiency is essential to managing operational costs, and renewable fuels play a crucial role in enhancing these efficiencies while significantly reducing emissions and our carbon footprint.”
Greg O’Connor, President, Main-Care Energy said: “We are excited to partner with companies like Sprague Energy to offer Renewable Diesel, a reliable and affordable solution that meets tomorrow’s environmental goals today. Main Care’s commitment to the environment drives us to embrace low-carbon liquid fuels and power our delivery fleet with Renewable Diesel. We’re leading the way to achieve a lower carbon footprint while providing greater fuel efficiency in the communities we serve.”
Bob Long Jr., President, Long Energy said: “As a small business owner, my family is truly grateful that Sprague Energy has opened a pathway for us to bring to market renewable diesel. Although electrification may have its place in some instances, the access to renewable diesel is a game changer. Not only does it meet certain goals of decarbonization, but it also allows for consumer choice, competition, affordable energy solutions, reliability, and feasibility; all with no changes to existing equipment and infrastructure. No need to buy new fleets of trucks, or school buses, fire trucks, ambulances; its character is identical to Sprague’s diesel that we’ve trusted for so many years, without the carbon; and with renewable energy, we can heat homes and buildings cleaner and greener, without replacing entire systems. This fuel is an ideal fit for the state’s Clean Fuel Standard, and its inclusion to incentivize the demand is essential to establish a real and measurable impact on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”
Greg Nido, President, Guy E. Nido Inc. said: “I’m very excited to offer renewable diesel to my customers. This is a great opportunity to reduce emissions while improving engine and boiler performance utilizing the cleaner non-fossil fuel. It’s exciting and am glad to be a part of the reduction of diesel emissions and partnering with Sprague.”