Purchase Biodiesel

What is Biodiesel Fuel?

Biodiesel is produced from domestic resources, such as fat or soybean oil. Through a process called transesterification, the glycerin in the fat or oil is removed. There are strict industry specifications to ensure that the fuel meets regulations. As defined in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D 6751, in order for the fuel to be classified as a legal motor fuel, it must pass the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rigid tests. When it passes, it is considered a fuel additive under Section 211 (b) of the 1990 Clean Air Act.

The Advantages of Biodiesel Fuel

The biodiesel industry has invested over two million dollars since 2000 in testing in order to build consumer confidence in this alternative fuel. Over 14 major companies have put money into the plants and farms that manufacture biodiesel.

The United States Department of Agriculture has learned that this fuel is ten times less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as dextrose (sugar).

Some of the other qualities of biodiesel include:

• Simple to use
• Renewable
• Nontoxic
• Biodegradable
• Reduction of exhaust emissions of aromatic compounds that cause cancer
• Sulfur-free
• Shows similar performance as conventional diesel fuel
• Has strong lubricity
• Reduces atmospheric carbon
• Holds the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel
• Has the highest energy balance of any transportation fuel (this means that for every unit of fossil fuel it takes to make biodiesel, 3.2 units of energy are gained)

Where You Can Purchase Biodiesel

Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum or used as a pure fuel. Even blended, it still holds significant environmental benefits. B20 is a mixture of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum. It will work in any diesel engine without modifications. If the mixture has been treated properly by the company which sold it, it should work well in all seasons.

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has a list of registered fuel marketers. NBB can be reached by calling 1-800-841-5849. Make sure that you use their listing so that you will buy from a reputable source. The biodiesel website can answer many of your questions. If you wish to email NBB, send your correspondence to info@biodiesel.org.

In 1999, the Office of Defense deemed this fuel suitable for commercial military vehicles. Now, over 300 major fleets use biodiesel in their engines. The fuel can be stored up to six months in proper storage units. It has proved to be the least costly strategy in compliance with state and federal regulations. Biodiesel is good for our lungs and hearts!

The Cost of Biodiesel

It has been estimated that biodiesel fuel costs only two to three cents more per gallon than the cost of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel in September 2007 in the United States ranged from $2.96 per gallon to $3.02. The cost of growing soybeans, transporting the crop, and other factors are added in and still the cost is only pennies higher than diesel. It is thought that once the consumption for this cleaner fuel increases, the price will decrease.

Precautions

Follow these precautions advised by the National Biodiesel Board:

• Buy B20 from a reputable source, not from someone who has created the fuel in their garage or yard
• Buy fuel that is already mixed or blended
• Continue to abide by your regular vehicle maintenance schedule
• Keep in mind that in climates colder than -20 Fahrenheit, biodiesel may crystallize and not perform as efficiently in your vehicle

For More Information

For further information, The Biodiesel Association of Australia is a valuable resource on the retail sale of biodiesel in the USA, Europe, and Australia.

Use Biodiesel With Confidence

Now that you have a better understanding, you can purchase biodiesel with confidence. Using biodiesel fuel helps keep our country's air clean for ourselves, our children, and for future generations. Since soybeans are the primary source for creating biodiesel, new markets for the vegetable are developing. Industries are excited as they continue to learn about the potential of biodiesel and make it more customer-friendly. In the near future, this fuel could help us become less dependent on foreign oil, making America more energy independent.