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Importance of Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel fuel contains waste plant oils like vegetable and soybean oil and spent grease, according to the National Biodiesel Board. However, most biodiesel comes blended with gas. The U.S. government wants to reduce global warming, and biodiesel stands as one of the few viable alternative fuels ready for use as of 2010.

  1. Benefits

    • Using pure biodiesel fuel cuts down on carbon dioxide pollution---the major contributor to global warming---by about 75 percent, according to Green America Today. Additionally, biodiesel emits no sulfurous compounds (the cause of acid rain), and reduces smog-causing pollutants and carbon monoxide by about 50 percent.

    Significance

    • On the domestic side, every gallon of biodiesel used in America means one less gallon imported from oil-producing nations. Since biodiesel comes from plant-based matter, you can produce biodiesel just about anywhere.

    Misconceptions

    • Biodiesel has gone through extensive testing and is actually the only alternative fuel that meets the guidelines set forth by the Clean Air Act as of early 2010, according to the National Biodiesel Board.

      Using blends with small proportions of biodiesel---less than 3 percent---adds only about 3 cents to the cost of a gallon of diesel.

    Potential

    • Biodiesel will probably never replace diesel as a standard fuel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, the use of biodiesel should prolong the life expectancy of existing diesel reserves and their applications. Use of 20 percent biodiesel (E20), for example, may prove important for reducing the negative health effects that normal diesel has on bus drivers.

    Tip

    • Anybody who drives a diesel power vehicle can implement the use of biodiesel immediately. According to the National Biodiesel Board, the E20 blend works in any engine without causing any damage. Higher blends require special flex-fuel vehicles because pure biodiesel acts as a strong solvent, and can eat away at rubber parts and dislodge grime built up from use of regular diesel.

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