Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 5 · column 1 of 7 · from the scan, no model involved
By Amy Silver O’Leary
Special to the Rappahannock News
After several years of research and planning, the Rappahannock County School Board voted last week to begin using a biodiesel blend to fuel the school buses. Acting on a tip from School Board Member Aline Johnson, Headwaters helped to obtain a grant from the Virginia Soybean Association to offset the costs of changing to biodiesel. These costs include cleaning the diesel tank and adding air exchangers and filters to the tank and pumps, necessitated by the solvent effects of the new fuel. (The buses themselves will require no modification.) In the long run, the solvent properties are expected to reduce maintenance costs and increase gas mileage, as has been reported by Arlington County, Harrisonburg, and other Virginia school districts using biodiesel. Reducing maintenance costs is just one benefit of using the renewable fuel, however. Biodiesel reduces particulate matter emissions and other pollutants such as C02 and carbon monoxide. Fewer emissions means school buses that are healthier for children, improved visibility, and a decrease in greenhouse gases. Biodiesel is nontoxic and biodegradable. Finally, biodiesel use supports Virginia farmers and reduces
90.4%