What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources.  Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.  It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with no major modifications.  Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, non-toxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

How is biodiesel made?

Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil.  The process leaves behind two products – methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct usually sold and used in soaps and other products).

Is biodiesel the same thing as raw vegetable oil?

No!  Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to insure proper performance.  Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.  Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution.  Since raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.

For entities seeking to adopt a definition of biodiesel for purposes such as federal or state statute, state or national divisions of weights and measures, or for any other purpose, the official definition consistent with other federal and state laws and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines is as follows:

Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable ouls or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines.  Biodiesel refers to the pure fuel before blending with diesel fuel.  Biodiesel blends are denoted as, “BXX” with “XX” representing the percentage of biodiesel contained in the blend (i.e.: B20 is 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel).

Why should I use biodiesel?

Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel.  It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar.  Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own economy.

Can biodiesel help mitigate “global warming”?

Biodiesel is the best greenhouse gas mitigation strategy for today’s medium and heavy-duty vehicles.  A 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U. S. Department of Agriculture, concluded biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel.  This is due to biodiesel’s closed carbon cycle.  Growing plants, which are later processed into fuel, recycles the CO² released into the atmosphere when biodiesel is burned.

Where can I purchase biodiesel?

Biodiesel is available anywhere in the U.S.  The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) maintains a list of registered fuel suppliers as well as petroleum distributors and retail fueling sites.  A current list is available on the biodiesel web site at www.biodiesel.org.