DENVER, COLORADO -- Safeway Inc., one of the nation’s leading retailers announced Wednesday that it has converted its entire U.S. truck fleet to cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel.

That announcement is part of the company’s “lead by example” green initiative, is being made at events throughout the country this week to raise awareness about sustainability and exploring new opportunities to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions while embracing environmental friendly initiatives throughout its business operations.

The initiative makes Safeway one of the first major retailers in the United States to completely convert its entire fleet of more than 1,000 trucks to cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel.

The decision by Safeway will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 75 million pounds annually, the equivalent of taking nearly 7,500 passenger vehicles off the road each year.

“Safeway is proud to lead by example to help protect the environment,” said Chairman, President and CEO Steve Burd.

“Using biodiesel to power our transportation fleet will prevent millions of pounds of carbon emissions from being released into the environment.” Scott Grimmett, President of Safeway’s Denver Division added that “the program will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3.6 million pounds in Colorado.”

In Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and U.S. Senator Ken Salazar helped fuel the first biodiesel truck at a Safeway distribution center.

In Washington, D.C. members of Congress, U.S. Environmental Agency representatives and local elected officials will join together Thursday for a similar announcement at a local Safeway store.

Other events will be held on Thursday and Friday in Portland, Oregon, Chicago, Illinois, Pasadena and Dublin, California with Lt. Governor John Garamendi.

Safeway’s biodiesel program is just part of Safeway’s extensive Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiative and the company’s overall effort to manage its carbon footprint, address climate change and reduce air pollution.