DALLAS - Alon USA Energy, Inc. is converting its 170-vehicle fleet to hybrid and clean diesel power as part of a new initiative to reduce its environmental impact.

Alon officials announced the new environmental stewardship plans Dec. 16 at Fuel City in Downtown Dallas. Alon, which refines and markets transportation fuels and other petroleum products, may be the first independent refiner of its size issuing a mandate to reduce corporate fuel use and environmental impact through a clean fleet program. 

"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," said Jeff Morris, Alon president and CEO.

The company's retail segment, Alon Brands, is extending the clean theme to the nearly 1000 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.

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

Former Dallas County Judge Margaret Keliher, Executive Director of Texas Business for Clean Air, commended the example that Alon is providing to other enterprises with the new initiative, and reminded attendees that the business environment and the environment are not in competition with each other.  

To illustrate the direction being taken by Alon in the selection of vehicles for its corporate fleet, four different cars and light-duty trucks were on display, including a Ford Fusion Hybrid, GMC Sierra Hybrid, Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel, and Volkswagen Touareg TDI clean diesel.