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News Release
Oct. 31, 2005
PNM Diesel Fleet Switches to Biodiesel Fuel
Albuquerque: PNM has begun using a blended biodiesel fuel derived from
vegetable oil for use in more than half of its diesel-powered vehicles and
equipment.
The move to B-20 fuel – a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent
conventional diesel – has been phased in to PNM's diesel fleets in Albuquerque
and Santa Fe since July.
About 240 diesel-powered PNM vehicles and machines, including medium-duty
trucks, large trucks, backhoes, compressors and welding units, are using the
B-20 fuel on a regular basis at PNM's Santa Fe and Albuquerque service centers.
That represents about 57 percent of the PNM diesel fleet. Other diesel equipment
is located in more remote areas of the state that do not yet have access to
the biodiesel fuel.
"PNM is committed to promoting renewable energy, and our hope is that
other large diesel fleets will consider using this fuel as well," said
Eddie Padilla, PNM vice president of operations. "In addition to the environmental
benefits, biodiesel may offer a way for our nation to reduce its dependence
on fossil fuels, and we want to do our part to help increase the market for
this fuel."
The fuel is supplied by Blue Sun, a Colorado-based company that markets various
biodiesel fuels through distribution network that includes Amigo Petroleum
in New Mexico. The fuel is produced from rapeseed and canola grown in several
western states and could potentially be grown in New Mexico.
So far this year, PNM has purchased 53,000 gallons of B-20 and expects to
purchase as much as 100,000 gallons by the end of the year. The company projects
using about 240,000 gallons annually beginning in 2006.
Photo opportunity
Media interested in photographing PNM vehicles fueling up with biodiesel may
do so Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. Please contact Jeff Buell to make arrangements.
PNM is the principal subsidiary of PNM Resources, an energy holding company
based in Albuquerque, N.M. PNM provides electric utility service to 413,000
customers and natural gas service to 471,000 customers in New Mexico. The company
also sells power on the wholesale market in the Western U.S. PNM Resources
stock is traded primarily on the NYSE under the symbol PNM. For more information,
see the company's Web site at PNM.com.
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