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Biodiesel is a renewable, non-toxic fuel derived from vegetable oils such as soybean oil and canola oil, as well as recycled cooking oil. It can be blended with diesel fuel in any proportion or used in its pure form, and is commonly used in a 20% blend with petroleum diesel (known as B20).
Biodiesel has proven health benefits over using petroleum diesel. A 1999 study completed at University of California - Davis showed the use of pure biodiesel reduces cancer risks from particulate matter emissions exposure by 94% compared to petroleum diesel fuel. Emissions tests using biodiesel in conventional diesel engines demonstrate a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (see below).
Biodiesel burns cleaner than petroleum diesel and decreases greenhouse gas buildup in the atmosphere, thereby reducing global warming and certain health risks associated with diesel exhaust.
Biodiesel is the only diesel substitute to have fully completed Tier I and tier II Health Effects Testing as required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
Biodiesel contributes directly to the American agricultural economy and cuts our dependence on foreign oil.
Fleet managers report that gas mileage actually increases when using pure biodiesel.
Biodiesel Emissions Reductions Compared to Petroleum Diesel (data provided by United States Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory. |
