American Idol has announced it is kicking off its 10th season on Jan. 19 with a four-week, 16-city national “Idol Across America Mobile Experience” that will be powered by a clean diesel bus using renewable biodiesel fuel – America’s first advanced biofuel - according to the Diesel Technology Forum.

The bus tour will begin on Jan. 19 - the day of the Season 10 premiere on FOX-TV, and feature Idol memorabilia, including framed platinum records, a Ryan Seacrest suit, Carrie Underwood's finale dress and David Cook's guitar, according to USA Today.

“By choosing a clean diesel bus fueled with biodiesel fuel, American Idol made an excellent choice toward being environmentally-friendly while still having the power and fuel-efficiency needed to complete this grueling, four-week, 16-city national tour that ranges across the entire United States,” said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

“Diesel has long been the power of choice behind America’s motor coach industry. Unlike other alternative fuels, advanced clean diesel engines using home-grown quality biodiesel fuels can serve every community throughout the country. Diesel power is the American Idol of clean energy.”

The Forum is working with the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) to promote the use of renewable fuels. According to the NBB, the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2) established goals of supplementing the nation’s fuel supply with advanced biofuels which reduce lifecycle carbon by more than 50 percent. Biodiesel is the first advanced biofuel to reach commercial scale production in North America.


The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit http://www.dieselforum.org.