This month, Capital Metro will begin using the fuel additive ORYXE in its diesel city buses and support vehicles to reduce emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides. ORYXE is the first nitrogen-oxide-reduction additive to be approved by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, whose testing with the additive demonstrated a 5.7% reduction in nitrogen oxide. The move was applauded by air quality group Clean Air Force of Central Texas, as the Austin area sits on the brink of federal violation for smog-related pollution. ORYXE is also being used by the city of Dallas’ fleet in conjunction with B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petrol diesel, something greens have long pressed the city of Austin to try. Biodiesel, typically made from domestic or regional crops (soy or cottonseed, for example) and chemically processed to run in unmodified diesel engines, displaces oil and reduces all other typical diesel pollutants except nitrogen oxide. Biodiesel/ORYXE blends tested by the TCEQ resulted in reductions in particulate matter by 28.8%, total hydrocarbons by 17.5%, and carbon monoxide by 19%. B20 biodiesel is widely available in Austin and typically costs the same as or less than regular diesel, thanks to federal tax credits. For local biodiesel info and availability, see www.austinbiofuels.com.
This article appears in June 15 • 2007.