Alon USA Launches Clean Fleet Initiative

DALLAS -- Alon USA Energy Inc. launched a new initiative to reduce the company's environmental impact through the conversion of its 170-vehicle fleet to hybrid and clean diesel power.

Alon officials, flanked by Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Texas Business for Clean Air Executive Director Margaret Keliher, announced its new environmental stewardship plans yesterday morning at Fuel City in downtown Dallas. The company, which refines and markets transportation fuels and other petroleum products, said it is believed to be the first independent refiner of its size issuing a mandate to reduce corporate fuel use and environmental impact through a clean fleet program.

According to Jeff Morris, Alon president and CEO, the seemingly counterintuitive decision is part of the company's ongoing commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operate its refineries, convenience stores and day-to-day business activities in a cleaner, more sustainable manner.

"Our environmental efforts historically have focused on innovation in the petroleum refining process, running low-emission facilities and maximizing the efficiency of our operations," Morris stated. "We're taking our commitment to a new level by changing the way we use the fuel that's at the heart of our business, both to make additional improvements in our own efforts, and in hopes that other organizations will take measures to reduce their environmental footprints and be a part of the greater solution for a sustainable future."

The company's retail segment, Alon Brands, is extending the clean theme to the nearly 1,000 FINA locations in its network. Kyle McKeen, president and CEO of Alon Brands, explained that the program will apply to both vehicles and retail facilities.

"In addition to promoting a cleaner, more efficient fleet, we're launching new activities that will further elevate the standard of cleanliness and efficiency throughout our multi-state convenience store network," McKeen noted. "Customer perceptions of our entire company often start with what they see and experience in our retail outlets, and customers equate cleanliness with safety, which is why clean is just as important to our retail team as it is to our colleagues who produce clean fuels."

Alon's new initiative also relates to broader city- and statewide movements, such as Green Dallas and Texas Business for Clean Air, which highlight the opportunity, role and significance of the business community in enhancing environmental quality.

"Alon is not only demonstrating the business case for sustainability, but showing other businesses -- large and small -- the importance of making deliberate decisions about their environmental footprints," Mayor Leppert said.

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