How is biodiesel better for the environment?

Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have passed the rigorous EPA Tier I and Tier II health effects testing. That study found that B20 (20% biodiesel blended with 80% conventional diesel fuel) reduced total hydrocarbons by up to 30%, carbon monoxide up to 20%, and total particulate matter up to 15%.

Even using a 2% blend in on-road diesel fuel will reduce carbon monoxide emissions by more than 25 million pounds annually, reduce ozone forming hydrocarbon emissions by almost 4 million pounds annually, and reduce acid rain-causing sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 3 million pounds annually.

Biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades faster than sugar. B100 exhaust contains no benzene, sulfur or formaldehyde, and reduces greenhouse gases by nearly 80% as compared to petroleum diesel.

Biodiesel is safer to breathe, and reduces the cancer risk of diesel exhaust by 94% when using B100 and 27% when using B20. Instead of the stench of diesel exhaust, biodiesel gives off an odor described as that of french fries, popcorn, or apple pie.

What are some other benefits to using biodiesel?

Biodiesel provides an energy balance that helps preserve and protect our natural resources. For every one unit of energy needed to produce biodiesel, 3.24 units of energy are gained! This is the highest energy balance of any fuel.

It is domestically produced from renewable resources, thereby benefiting our nation's farmers. We reduce our dependence on foreign petroleum by 20% using B20 biodiesel, and use of as little as 2% biodiesel each year in the US would extend the fossil diesel supply almost fourfold for every gallon of diesel replaced by biodiesel.

Superior lubricity is provided by biodiesel, even at very low-blend levels. This helps reduce equipment wear and premature breakdown. Additional economic impacts, such as increased employment, increased level of economic activity, and corresponding state and local tax revenue, will also occur.

Can I use biodiesel in my vehicle and boat without making engine modifications?

Blends of up to 20% biodiesel (mixed with petroleum diesel fuels) can be used in nearly all diesel engines, boilers and generators, and are compatible with most storage and distribution equipment. These low level blends (20% and less) don't require any engine modifications and can provide the same payload capacity and range as diesel.

Pure biodiesel (B100) has a solvent effect, which may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel use. This release of deposits may clog filters initially and filters should be replaced after the first 24 hours of biodiesel use. There is no evidence that lower-blend levels such as B20 have caused filters to plug.

What impact does biodiesel have on my engine performance?

Biodiesel has a higher cetane number than US diesel fuel. In more than 30 million miles of in-field demonstrations, B20 showed similar fuel consumption, horsepower, torque and haulage rates as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity and it has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel.

Many users report that in addition to a reduction in visible emissions and a pleasant smell, their engines run smoother.

The information above has been provided from the Biodiesel board at www.biodiesel.org. Please see their great web site for much more detailed information concerning biodiesel.