Announcements

AnnOUnCEmEnT ACE Switches to Renewable Diesel

As a part of its Climate Action Plan, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) has moved to the sole use of renewable diesel on its locomotive fleet for the ACE train service. The move to renewable diesel will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99%. ACE is the first commuter rail service in Northern California to switch to 100% renewable diesel operations. This step is a key milestone for the agency on its path to net zero emissions operations.

“We are proud to announce that ACE is operating with renewable diesel. Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has taken a large step forward,” states Brian Schmidt, Director of Equipment Services at SJRRC. “Our fuel partner, Valley Pacific, has been a key partner in this transition.”

Renewable diesel is made from responsible and sustainable feedstock, such as used cooking oil and/or inedible corn oil. SJRRC is utilizing R100 which indicates that the fuel is 100% renewable diesel. Fuel for the ACE fleet is supplied by Valley Pacific Petroleum Services, Inc. The ACE fleet utilizes 51,000 gallons of fuel per month.

“Our customers have found that, compared to petroleum-based diesel, renewable diesel works better in their engines, produces less ash, and they’re happy it improves air quality and lowers their carbon footprint,” states Nathan Crum, President & CEO of Valley Pacific.

SJRRC’s first step toward a cleaner fleet came in 2017 with the introduction of the Tier IV Siemens Charger Locomotives which have replaced Tier 0 locomotives in the active fleet. The Siemens Charger Locomotives provide a minor increase in GHG emissions but a substantial improvement in air quality emissions. These locomotives also allow an increase in coaches per train (from 7 to 10), which improves per-passenger fuel efficiency metrics. A key factor in the switch to renewable diesel was to ensure the Cummins engine would continue successful operation with the introduction of a new fuel type. Through a series of testing and discussions, the engine manufacturer Cummins has approved 100% renewable diesel for use in their engines used in the Siemens Charger locomotives and poses no harm to the engine or its components.

SJRRC’s Climate Action Plan includes several steps to reaching a net zero operation. In addition to the switch to renewable diesel, SJRRC is launching a research and development project exploring zero-emission locomotives. A key factor in this research is to identify and study a method zero-emission propulsion method that can handle the grades in the Altamont Pass. Other components of the Climate Action Plan include: converting connecting shuttle/bus services to electric vehicles and on-site solar programs for stations. In its role as the managing agency of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), SJRRC is working toward switching the San Joaquin’s trains and Thruway Buses to renewable diesel.

Headquartered in Modesto, Valley First Credit Union is a $955 million, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative focused on providing quality banking services for consumers and small businesses located throughout the Central Valley. Managed locally, Valley First has been committed to making good happen here since it was founded in 1949.

In late 2021 Valley First earned Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation based on the work it has been doing in the community to provide access to fair credit and quality banking services.

CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to providing financial services to meet the needs of economically-disadvantaged individuals within underserved communities. With the designation, it’s recognized that Valley First invests in its local communities and the residents who live there by providing critically-needed financing often unavailable from mainstream financial institutions.

“We’re proud and excited to have this designation on behalf of our communities and the people in them,” said Valley First Credit Union President and CEO Kathryn Davis. “Our mission has always been focused on ensuring we can serve the most people in our communities, this designation and focus on the underserved groups takes that to a new level.”

To illustrate the Credit Union’s dedication to community, in 2021 Valley First:

• Provided more than $12.6 million in direct financial benefits to our members

• That’s $177 per member ($371 per member household)

• Funded $29 million in SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loans.

• Contributed more than $180K to local non-profits

• Gave more than $364K in cash back through various financial products

• Saved members $148 million when they refinanced their auto loan from another financial institution

• Provided access to free financial education to nearly 4,000 members of our community

• Paid out more than $1.2 million in dividends earned through savings products and

• Helped 205 families become homeowners

“We have two main goals when it comes to serving our members over the next five years,” said Davis. “One is to increase access to affordable financial products like personal unsecured loans, small dollar loans, mortgages, used auto loans and small business products and services. Our second goal is to expand financial education and counseling activities for residents of the Central Valley, specifically focusing on credit repair and one-on-one technical assistance for small businesses.”

If you live or work in the Central Valley you’re eligible to join Valley First. To find out more please visit www. valleyfirstcu.org.