MBTA, Keolis pilot new renewable diesel fuel for commuter rails

Keolis Commuter Services, partner of the MBTA Commuter Rail, has launched an alternative fuel pilot that utilizes renewable diesel for some of its locomotives.
Renewable diesel aims to cut emissions and to lower the carbon footprint of the MBTA, which will help the Commonwealth reach its emission reduction goals.
'We're pleased to partner with Keolis on this renewable diesel pilot as we continuously seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint,' said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. 'Testing alternative fuel sources for our Commuter Rail fleet joins other efforts at the T to lower our carbon emissions, and we look forward to evaluating the results of the pilot as we continue to increase resiliency across the system.'
The fuel pilot consists of all locomotives that lay over at the Newburyport Commuter Rail facility, which Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) are now fueling.
HVO is made from a mixture of vegetable oil and animal fats, which produce fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels.
As of now, Keolis has already seen steady locomotive performance while using HVO.
'Getting people out of their cars and onto the train is a great first step, and we need to do more if we are going to reach the Commonwealth's emissions goals,' said Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis. 'This pilot program is a great opportunity to utilize an innovative new approach and can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 70% for these locomotives compared to fossil diesel. We're pleased to partner with the MBTA to make this pilot project a success.'
By the end of the program, MBTA and Keolis will reevaluate the performance of the renewable fuel and see if it is fit to be expanded to other locations across the MBTA.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Associated Press

2 days ago

• Associated Press

UK Power Rental Market Assessment & Forecast Report 2025-2030 with Focus on the Impact of Tariffs

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 19, 2025-- The 'UK Power Rental Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to offering. The UK Power Rental Market was valued at USD 335 Million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 451.10 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 5.08%. The UK is a leading power rental market in Europe, with total rental equipment valued at USD 6–7 billion in 2024, according to the Europe Rental Association (ERA). The power rental segment is highly fragmented, with the top four companies holding only one-third of the market. The UK rental market offers a diverse range of equipment, from large earth-moving machines to small power tools. Diesel-powered equipment continues to dominate the UK power rental market. However, growing environmental concerns are driving demand for alternative fuels such as HVO, hydrogen, and biofuels. The 375 KVA–1000 KVA range sees the highest demand due to its widespread use across industries like construction and mining. Power rentals are especially in demand in the construction, utilities, and IT & data center sectors, fueled by rising investments in infrastructure and a surge in data center development. England and Scotland show particularly strong demand, with extreme weather conditions—including heavy rainfall and storms—further increasing the need for temporary power solutions. Generators are the most commonly rented power equipment. Diesel generators are widely used for backup power in events, retail, and utilities, while natural gas-powered generators are gaining a growing share of the market. MARKET DRIVERS & OPPORTUNITIES UK Government Policies for Energy Transition Support the Power Rental Market Growth The UK government has increased its focus on achieving the goal of carbon neutrality in 2025. The government has introduced several policies for energy transition across the country. The government planned to invest in a cleaner and resilient energy system under the Powering up Britain program in 2024. It aims to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 through various initiatives such as expanding renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro & solar, and boosting the domestic energy production of the country. In 2024, the Industrial Decarbonization and Hydrogen Revenue Support (IDHRS) scheme witnessed total funding of USD 27.9 million. The scheme allocated the funds for industrial carbon capture, utilization, & storage projects and hydrogen production. The funding is also directed towards the development of new hydrogen-to-power business models. Demand for Rental Equipment Backed by Infrastructure Investments by the Government In 2024, the UK government has committed to unlocking USD 95.92 billion for private investment by 2030 and supporting the development of green industries by 2050. The government has laid out USD 490.2 billion for the infrastructure in its National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline. This investment will include USD 74.6 billion for the transport infrastructure and USD 45.8 billion for social structures such as schools, housing, and healthcare. Government infrastructure investment is focused on accelerating the construction of critical infrastructure projects across the country. Key focus areas of investment include decarbonization of the electricity grid and investment in net-zero power generation capacity. Investment is directed toward clean energy generation through wind, solar, and nuclear, and upgrading the energy distribution infrastructure. In addition to this, the government is also planning to invest in housing projects under the New Town Development projects and the development of essential infrastructure such as healthcare facilities and public transport. Investment is also directed toward the development of rail and roadways to improve connectivity across the country. Such a growing number of investments in the project is projected to support the U.K. power rental market growth. Use of Alternative Fuel in Rental Equipment In 2025, European rental companies are focusing on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to more sustainable energy solutions. Presently, diesel-powered rental equipment is mainly used for rental purposes across the UK. However, the rental companies are exploring alternative fuel options like biofuels, hydrogen, and electricity for powering their rental equipment. In June 2021, Aggreko undertook its first pilot project of a 50kVA hydrogen combustion power generation unit at its depot in Moerdijk, Netherlands. The companies in the U.K. power rental market are attempting to transition towards fleets powered by low-carbon fuel alternatives such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) or natural gas, which are less polluting than diesel. HVO is made from waste vegetable and animal fats that can be used as a replacement for diesel, which leads to high carbon emissions. Fluctuation in Diesel Prices Impacts U.K. Power Rental Market Diesel-powered generators have a significant market share of over 70% in the U.K. power rental market. It is mainly used in construction, mining, retail, oil & gas and IT industries. However, fluctuations in the prices of diesel can negatively impact the U.K. power rental market. In 2025, the diesel prices witnessed an increase, with the average price rising from 142.9p in January to 145.7p in February 2025. The prices of diesel have increased fourth consecutive month. The prices increased by over 4% in February 2025 compared to February 2024. Several factors have led to the rise in diesel prices in the UK market. Rise in crude oil prices in the global market, supply chain constraints, and variation in currency exchange of the pound & dollar. U.K. POWER RENTAL MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS According to an IEA report, the UK's total electricity consumption in 2024 was 324.084 GWh. The power demand was highest in the England region, followed by Scotland and Wales. In 2024, the UK experienced extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms, such as those from storms Henk, Kathleen, and Bert, which caused flooding and strong winds that disrupted the power supply. As a result, these regions are expected to see higher demand for power rentals and support the U.K. power rental market growth. IMPACT OF TARIFFS COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Prominent Vendors Other Prominent Vendors SEGMENTATION & FORECAST Segmentation By Fuel Segmentation By Power Rating Segmentation By Equipment Segmentation By End-User Segmentation By Application Key Attributes: For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on CONTACT: Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 KEYWORD: UNITED KINGDOM EUROPE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRUCKING AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT OIL/GAS MANUFACTURING ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENERGY MACHINERY FLEET MANAGEMENT SOURCE: Research and Markets Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/19/2025 08:48 AM/DISC: 06/19/2025 08:47 AM

Politico

4 days ago

• Politico

The millionaire's tax giveth ...

MONEY TALKS — Massachusetts' 'millionaires tax' has been boosting the state's bottom line, but some of the state's top Democrats aren't rushing to defend it. Gov. Maura Healey and House and Senate budget writers have leaned on the 4 percent surtax on incomes above $1 million to fuel new spending in the past couple years. So, it came as a surprise when Healey seemed to say she wouldn't step in to stop efforts to repeal the law. The governor tempered those comments the following day, pointing to 'transformational' investments her administration has made in education and transportation as a result of the levy. She's not the only one still wary about what the tax — backed by voters in 2022 — will mean for Massachusetts down the road. House Budget Chief Aaron Michlewitz told reporters Monday he still believes it's 'too early' to tell. 'We've got a long way to go before we kind of get to that conclusion of if this is working or not, or how this is affecting our long-term sustainability in the economy,' the Boston Democrat said Monday. So far, the tax has been a boon for Massachusetts. The House and Senate struck a deal Monday on a supplemental budget funded by more than $1.3 billion in surplus surtax revenue that would, among other things, deliver more than $500 million to the MBTA, including infusing its reserves with $300 million. Andrew Farnitano, a spokesperson for Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition that helped pass the ballot question, called it an 'unqualified success that's serving as a model for other states that want to invest in quality public services with a fairer tax system.' But Healey hit on a common concern last week — that wealthy residents looking for greener pastures — i.e. lower taxes — could start moving out of Massachusetts. Keeping the future of the tax open-ended is the safe way to go, Doug Howgate, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, told Playbook. 'We've seen what's happened over the last two years, but we don't have a long track record here,' Howegate said, 'whether it's in terms of revenues or whether it's in terms of larger impact, and I think it's appropriate for folks to say that we're going to continue to monitor those things closely.' GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. The Boston Globe has more on what made it into the supplemental surtax compromise. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey speaks at the BIO International Convention at 9 a.m. and kicks things off at the conference's Massachusetts Pavilion at 10:20 a.m. in Boston Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speak at an event remembering the Battle of Bunker Hill at 3:15 p.m. in Charlestown. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll delivers remarks at the Lawrence Partnership's Annual Meeting at 11 a.m. in Lawrence, speaks at the BIO International Convention at 1:15 p.m. and attends an event hosted by Survivors Say at 5 p.m. in Boston. Auditor Diana DiZoglio is the keynote speaker at the Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner at 5 p.m. in Wakefield. Rep. Stephen Lynch holds a press conference with Connecticut Rep. Joe Courtney and Maine Rep. Jared Golden to talk about revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry at 11:30 a.m. in Boston. Wu hosts a coffee hour in South Boston at 10 a.m. and is on GBH's 'Boston Public Radio' at 1 p.m. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@ DATELINE BEACON HILL OH, CANADA — Northeastern governors and leaders from six Canadian provinces met in Boston Monday under the looming specter of a trade war between the long-time allies. The group of governors — Janet Mills of Maine, Kathy Hochul of New York, Phil Scott of Vermont and Dan McKee of Rhode Island — highlighted their states' reliance on trade and tourism from Canada. And Canadian premiers opened up about their frustration with the White House. 'The rhetoric that we've been hearing out of the president is unfortunate,' said Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario. 'Leaders around the world that I've talked to are dumbfounded. … [They've] said 'I can't believe the president is going after your country.' And we're in disbelief, too.' But as the meeting closed, they acknowledged there's not much they can do to circumvent the tariffs that President Donald Trump is threatening to impose on America's northern neighbor. 'We're limited as individual provinces and states, to a certain extent, around some of this,' Gov. Maura Healey said, when asked by reporter what tangibles might emerge from the meeting 'But I think we're going to commit to work on ways to ensure a better flow of trade, a sustained flow of activity that will mitigate against some of the disruption to the supply chain that we've seen.' One concrete item that did come out of the meeting Monday: Healey's latest fundraising appeal. COLUMN — Sleepless in Boston: Governors and Canadian premiers share their pain by Jonathan Martin, POLITICO. — Embattled schools chief Pedro Martinez to lead Massachusetts education by John Hilliard, The Boston Globe: 'Pedro Martinez, tapped this spring to become state's next education commissioner, has encountered his fair share of controversy as a schools leader who has battled elected leaders in Nevada, Texas, and Illinois. And as he takes charge in Massachusetts July 1, Martinez said he won't back down if he thinks he's acting in the best interests of students.' — Legislature seeks more funds for safety-net hospitals by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: 'Tucked into a $533 million supplemental budget set to be taken up by the state Senate Wednesday is a proposal calling for another $174 million for 'financially strained' acute care hospitals.' — In face of Trump, Mass. Legislature has passed few bills amid tension and infighting by Samantha J. Gross and Matt Stout, The Boston Globe: 'After a session marked by public finger-pointing and backlogged lawmaking, Massachusetts Democratic leaders this year promised a Legislature that would be more efficient, vowed more transparency, and committed to fighting President Trump's agenda. But so far, there's been a lot of fighting amongst themselves. In recent weeks, Democratic leaders have jabbed at each other in press releases. They've argued about who is, and is not, attending hearings. And they have yet to even agree on rules governing their own operations, let alone on much actual legislation as state-level Democrats fashion themselves as bulwarks against Trump's administration.' THE RACE FOR CITY HALL FIRST IN PLAYBOOK—Former Easthampton City Councilor Daniel Rist and Easthampton School Committee Member Linda Markee are endorsing Lindsi Sekula in her bid for mayor in Easthampton, per her campaign. 'As someone who served for nearly three decades on the City Council, I care deeply about Easthampton's future — and I believe Lindsi Sekula is the right choice to lead us forward,' Rist, Easthampton's longest-serving city councilor, said in a statement. 'Lindsi knows how City Hall works because she's been doing the work. Her years of experience, steady leadership, and deep commitment to our community make her uniquely qualified to be our next Mayor.' — Josh Kraft again blasts Wu over White Stadium, claiming costs have skyrocketed by Eve Zuckoff, WBUR: 'Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft again blasted Mayor Michelle Wu's handling of the White Stadium renovation project on Monday, saying costs have spiraled. But he didn't provide on-the-record evidence to back up his claim. Speaking in front of the Franklin Park stadium's crumbling facade, Kraft said the city was now on the hook for $172 million to cover its portion of the rebuild. That's far higher than the $91 million Wu's office estimated in December, or the $50 million price tag announced when the Boston Planning and Development Agency approved permits for the plan in July 2024. … A spokesperson for the city did not confirm Kraft's figure or provide an updated project cost estimate. But the city did provide a document that appears to show the cost still stands at $90.1 million.' MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — As ICE ramps up arrests, Plymouth sheriff's office shuttles men from jail to Hanscom airport by Todd Wallack, WBUR: 'On a recent Saturday morning, sheriff's deputies from Plymouth County escorted 76 men from the jail onto a bus and several vans. All were being held for the federal government, on alleged immigration violations. Their destination: Hanscom Field, an airport in Bedford used mainly for corporate jets, charters and other private planes. The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office has been making a lot of these van trips, according to interviews and records obtained by WBUR — delivering hundreds of people to federal agents at Hanscom, where they're flown to states with larger detention centers, often far from Massachusetts.' DAY IN COURT — Massachusetts scientists have lost billions in federal funds. Now they have their day in court. by Craig LeMoult, GBH News. RELATED — Judge accuses Trump administration of discrimination against minorities by Kyle Cheney and Danny Nguyen, POLITICO: 'A federal judge appointed by Ronald Reagan on Monday accused the Trump administration of 'appalling' and 'palpably clear' discrimination against racial minorities and LGBTQ+ Americans. … [U.S. District Judge William] Young's sweeping rebuke during a court hearing was a reference to two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump that led the National Institutes of Health to rescind funding for research related to racial minorities and LGBTQ+ people.' FROM THE DELEGATION — Neal sounds off on Trump policies at regional event in Holyoke to discuss housing crisis by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette: 'U.S. Rep. Richard Neal on Monday attacked President Donald Trump's proposed budget bill as well as efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency to remake Social Security, while also criticizing the promotion of inflammatory rhetoric on social media as opposed to regular dialogue.' — Representatives Seth Moulton, Ayanna Pressley hold town halls opposing Trump by Anjali Huynh and Sean Cotter, The Boston Globe: 'Representatives Seth Moulton and Ayanna Pressley, at separate town halls in Massachusetts 25 miles apart, heavily criticized a swath of actions President Trump has ordered, from mass immigration raids to sweeping funding cuts, while acknowledging left-leaning voters urging their Democratic representatives to do more to resist his administration.' — Auchincloss probes possible conflicts of interest for top RFK advisers by Tal Kopan, The Boston Globe. FROM THE 413 — Amherst advocates decry budget freeze for community responders by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: 'With the Town Council presented a budget from Town Manager Paul Bockelman that freezes funding for two of the eight full-time responders, and eliminating a grant-funded program implementation manager, members of the Community Safety and Social Justice Committee are criticizing the spending plan, especially at a time when fear is gripping already marginalized communities in town due to ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.' — Barrett casts lone no vote on MCLA arts center commendation by Sten Spinella, The Berkshire Eagle: 'Rep. John Barrett III hopes he's wrong. But he's still not convinced. On Thursday, the North Adams Democrat cast the lone dissenting vote as the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Board of Trustees commended the MCLA Foundation for securing a multimillion-dollar gift to fund the planned Campagna Kleefeld Center for Creativity in the Arts.' THE LOCAL ANGLE — Attleboro city council hears arguments on proposed ban on rodenticides by Rhianwen Watkins, The Sun Chronicle: 'Rat poison has risen to the forefront of local and state politics recently, as studies have shown it poses significant harm to wildlife. Several birds of prey, foxes, bobcats, and even household pets are at risk of secondary poisoning from rodenticides and many, especially predatory birds across the state, have died over the years as a result.' — North Andover schools to bring back some staff by Angelina Berube, The Eagle-Tribune: 'The school district plans to reinstate about a dozen positions next school year which were part of budget cuts as it makes use of various funds, including the $1 million extra approved by Town Meeting voters for the fiscal year 2026 budget. Superintendent Pamela Lathrop provided the staffing update to the School Committee at its meeting on Thursday.' — Who wants to be on the New Bedford School Committee? by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford Light. — Candidates pull nomination papers for Lowell City Council, School Committee seats by Melanie Gilbert, The Lowell Sun. HEARD 'ROUND THE BUBBLAH WEDDING BELLS — Alex Demou, director of legislative and trustee relations at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, married Tina Ascolillo, vice president at Rasky Partners, in Newport, Rhode Island, on June 5. The couple met working as staffers on Beacon Hill. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to CBS News reporter Nicole Sganga, state Rep. Aaron Saunders and Maxwell Nunes.

Boston Globe

5 days ago

• Boston Globe

Mass. lawmakers reach deal to seed MBTA with $535 million from ‘millionaires' surtax spending package

The bill also would set aside $248 million to help cover The bill largely spends surplus revenue that the state collected from the surtax on annual income exceeding roughly $1 million. The revenue is constitutionally mandated to go toward transportation and education initiatives, though the agreement released Monday tips more toward transportation ($716 million in funding) than education ($593.5 million), according to lawmakers. Advertisement Legislators could shuttle the bill to Governor Maura Healey's desk as early as Wednesday, when both chambers have formal sessions scheduled. In a joint statement, state Representative Aaron Michlewitz and state Senator Michael Rodrigues, the chambers' respective budget chiefs, said the agreement 'makes critically important investments in education and transportation in the face of continued uncertainty.' Advertisement The MBTA's own spending plans already lean heavily on state largesse. The agency's board of directors last week The T's approved budget calls for hiring more than 1,000 positions to increase the agency's headcount to 8,030 employees. The T is also seeking some cost-cutting measures, such as reducing overtime costs, The MBTA has faced long-standing The T has also struggled with drawing back riders. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, fare revenue covered about To address this, the Legislature offered vastly different visions. The surtax spending bill the Senate passed last month would have dedicated $370 million to the MBTA, including $200 million to replenish the agency's budget reserve. The House, on other hand, sought far more, setting aside nearly $800 million for the T, most of which — $700 million — was tabbed for the agency's reserve and deficiency funds. Advertisement The bill released Monday falls in the middle. It would dedicate $300 million for the T's spending reserve, plus offer $175 million for workforce and safety funding. Another $40 million would go toward infrastructure upgrades, and $20 million would help fund the MBTA's low-income fare program. The gap between the chamber's plans for the T was even wider when combined with their annual state budget proposals, with the House seeking about $1.4 billion for the T between the two bills and the Senate $820 million. How Monday's deal would affect what the agency receives in the annual state budget plan is unclear. The chamber's leaders are still negotiating the details of that roughly $61.5 billion bill, which is designed to cover the fiscal year that starts July 1. Both chambers also included an array of earmarks in their surtax spending bills, ranging from Legislators had yet to release the full text of the final version Monday afternoon. The surplus surtax bill is, by design, supplemental, offering lawmakers a huge windfall to fund priorities that they perhaps wouldn't have been able to otherwise through the regular budget process. Still, the Legislature is likely to find itself in a similar position next year, too. Entering May, the voter-approved surtax had already Advertisement That type of financial cushion is welcome. President Trump has withheld or cut Companies have also Matt Stout can be reached at