The term Biodiesel is described as a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel does not contain petroleum; however it can be blended with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. There are many positive attributes to biodiesel including its non-toxic and biodegradable characteristics. It is also one of the only fuel products that does not emit sulfur into the earth’s atmosphere.

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Manufacturer warranties cover defects in material and workmanship in biodiesel burning engines. These warranties do not cover engine problems related to fuel. Several tests have demonstrated that biodiesel and petroleum diesel do not differ in terms of engine wear and performance.

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A 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture concluded biodiesel reduces a net CO2 emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. The reason being, biodiesel has a closed carbon cycle attribute. The CO2 released into the atmosphere from burned biodiesel is recycled by growing plants, which are eventually reprocessed as fuel.

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The answer is no. Unaltered vegetable is not considered a legally registered fuel by the Environmental Protection Agency. To stay in compliance with the strict industry specifications, fuel-grade biodiesel must meet the requirements of the (ASTM D6751) standards.

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In 2000, biodiesel became the only alternative fuel in the country to have successfully completed the EPA-required Tier I and Tier II health effects testing under the Clean Air Act. These independent tests conclusively demonstrated biodiesel's significant reduction of virtually all regulated emissions. Biodiesel is the only alternative energy source to comply with the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. Less toxic than table salt and more biodegradable than sugar, biodiesel does not contain sulfur or aromatics. Biodiesel usage results in a substantial reduction of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and particulate matter.

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Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. However, because of the solvency properties of biodiesel, it is recommended to use a blend of biodiesel and petrodiesel when first making the transition. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken.

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Both biodiesel and petrodiesel have gel points. However, you can use up to a 20 percent blend (B20) in even the coldest climates? Keep in mind that biodiesel can be treated for winter usage similar to No. 2 diesel fuel. Legitimate fuel distributors ensure biofuel is treated correctly for optimum cold weather performance.

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Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) meeting clean diesel standards established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Neat (100 percent) biodiesel has been designated as an alternative fuel by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Additionally, the RFS2 ruling by the EPA mandates oil companies to purchase biofuels for blending.

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Upon review of other alternative fuel systems, most fleet managers have determined biodiesel is the most cost efficient approach to being in compliance with state and federal regulations. The main factor being, biodiesel does not require major engine modifications. This allows operators to keep trucking fleets, stock spare part inventories and maintain refueling stations.

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Independent tests have shown that biodiesel reduces most harmful vehicle emissions. Using biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine reduces unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Biodiesel exhaust has a significantly less harmful impact on human health than exhaust from petroleum diesel fuel.

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Yes, biodiesel does have a positive energy balance. For every unit of energy needed to produce a gallon of biodiesel, at least 4.5 units of energy are gained. In comparison, for every unit of energy needed to produce a gallon of conventional petroleum diesel, 0.8 units of energy are provided.

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It is necessary that biofuel processors obtain stability in the renewable energy industry through federal policy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ensured biodiesel expansion by passing the RFS2. The EPA has announced the final rule for the implementation of the second phase of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) which requires the use of 500 million gallons of Biomass-based Diesel in 2009, increasing gradually to 1 billion gallons in 2012. From 2012 through 2022, a minimum of 1 billion gallons must be used domestically. The final ruling mandates refiners to either blend enough biodiesel into fuel to meet the standard or purchase renewable fuel credits, known as RIN’s, to make up the difference for both years. The EPA is also requiring refiners to disclose information on the annual purchase and sale of RIN’s. To qualify as Biomass-based Diesel, the fuel must reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is the only fuel available in commercial quantities in the U.S. that meets the definition of Biomass based Diesel. The EPA will set national mandatory blend levels and monitor compliance. The monitoring system will track the carbon emissions of all fuel, ultimately decreasing air pollution and raising the standard of air quality.

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