Biodiesel Resource

Biodiesel is domestically grown, processed and distributed. Biodiesel reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and stimulates local economies.

Biodiesel Can Help Decrease Our Dependence on Imported Petroleum

Understanding the notion of oil dependence, and how it is both an economic and strategic problem for the United States and other net-importing nations, requires a review of some important energy and transportation facts about in the U.S.

• Biodiesel is the first renewable fuel to complete the Tier I and Tier II health effects testing requirements as authorized by the U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments (CAA) of 1990
• Biodiesel is 10 times less toxic than table salt!
• Biodiesel biodegrades as fast as sugar
• Biodiesel is practically non-flammable ( > 300º F flashpoint)
• Biodiesel dramatically reduces cancer-causing emissions

The flash point (the point at which fuel ignites) for B100 is 300ºF versus about 125ºF for regular No. 2 diesel.

• Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum-based diesel at any ratio
• Biodiesel serves as a drop-in replacement for petrodiesel -- no conversion necessary
• Biodiesel fuel is available today -- have it delivered to your door!
• Biodiesel must meet ASTM D-6751, ensuring consistent, reliable operation

• Substitutes for home heating oil
• Can be used for power generation
• Makes a great solvent, cleaner and paint remover

Biodiesel is the most versatile biofuel, and can be used for both commercial and recreational purposes. One major application is helping the parts in an engine move better and last longer. For people who own trucking companies, farms and even police departments, biodiesel fuel also helps save on repair costs. Biodiesel has uses in boats as well, causing less water pollution – there is less smoke and it is safer to store.

• Biodiesel production uses a third less energy than petroleum diesel production.
• For each unit of energy input, biodiesel creates 3 or more energy units.
• Biodiesel produces more BTUs per gallon than any other alternative fuel.

Compare the differences between how much energy is created when producing these top four fuel sources:

Biodiesel has a Closed Carbon Cycle; Therefore it does not Contribute to Global Climate Change

• High lubricity (even B2 increases it > 65%) extends engine life
• Higher cetane rating (46-62)
• Higher oxygen content (11%)
• Used successfully in millions of on-road and nautical miles
• Almost always smoothes engine operation

Biodiesel Has Excellent Lubricating Properties

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published the final rule on "Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards and Highway Diesel Fuel Sulfur Control Requirements" on January 18, 2001.

• Biodiesel can be made from any plant that yields oil, along with animal fats, float grease, recycled cooking oils and even bugs.
• Biodiesel is carbon neutral. Plants use all the CO₂ emitted when biodiesel burns.
• Feed stocks are everywhere!
  

Biodiesel provides up to a 90% reduction in most vehicle emissions, including those that cause cancer and contribute to global warming. Biodiesel contains essentially no sulfur or aromatics, and allows for the use of catalytic converters and other emissions-reducing technologies. Biodiesel production yields 96% less hazardous solid wastes, uses 79% less water, and consumes 70-90% less energy than fossil diesel production does. Blends as low as B20 have reduced soot exhaust by 83%. Biodiesel removes deposits in tanks and fuel systems left by petrodiesel.

Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel:

• Can be produced domestically
• Is a renewable resource
• Is biodegradable
• Is not dangerous to handle and store
• Provides economic gain to American farmers and industry
• Does not contribute to global warming
• Releases no toxic byproducts in emissions
• Does not contribute to sulfur pollution (acid rain)
• Procurement does not pollute local environments
• Is not toxic to humans and other animals