Demonstrating the strong momentum behind biodiesel, in 2005 alone, 36 state houses across the country considered about 170 pieces of biodiesel-related legislation.
Fuel Comparison Chart
GASOLINE
#2 DIESEL
BIODIESEL
COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS
ELECTRICITY
ETHANOL (E85)
HYDROGEN
MAIN FUEL SOURCE
Crude oil
Crude oil
Soybean oil, waste cooking oils, yellow grease,
any vegetable oil
Underground reserves
Coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydroelectric and other
renewable sources may be used
Corn, grains or agricultural waste
Natural gas, Methanol and other energy sources
ENERGY CONTENT PER GALLON
109,000- 125,000 Btu (does not factor in the energy
to get it from source)
128,000- 130,000 Btu (does not factor in the energy
to get it from source)
All diesel vehicles; B100 may require minor modifications
to fuel lines and fuel filters for older vehicles
Vehicles retrofitted for CNG use (costly)
Neighborhood electric vehicles, from bicycles to
heavy duty
Flexible fuel vehicles or vehicles designed for
ethanol
No vehicles are currently available for sale
FUEL AVAILABILITY
All fueling stations
Available at select stations
Available growing 1600+ throughout US in bulk and at dozens of locations in California
California has highest concentration of CNG refueling
stations
Most locations have sufficient power, but some
upgrades may apply
Most are available in the Midwest
Very small amount for private use only
ENVIRON- MENTAL IMPACTS OF BURNING
FUEL
Produces harmful emissions
Produces harmful emissions; however,
diesel vehicles are improving and emissions are being reduced with after-treatment devices
Reduces pollutent catagories* by 50-100%, especially particulate matter and global
warming gas emissions (78%+) compared to conventional diesel (*NOx emissions are unclear-- see Fact Sheets)
CNG vehicles can demonstrate a reduction in ozone-forming
emissions compared to some conventional fuels; however, HC emissions
may be increased
EVs have zero tailpipe emissions; however, some
amount of emissions can be contributed to power generation
E-85 vehicles can demonstrate a 25% reduction in
ozone-forming emissions compared to formulated gasoline
Zero regulated emissions for fuel cell-powered
vehicles, and only NOx emissions possible for internal combustion
engines operating on hydrogen
ENERGY SECURITY IMPACTS
Manufactured using imported oil, which is not an
energy secure option
Manufactured using imported oil, which is not an
energy secure option
Biodiesel is domestically produced and recycles
urban and agricultural waste
CNG is domestically produced. The Unites States
has vast natural gas reserves
Electricity is generated mainly through coal fired
power plants although California depends more on Hydroelectric
Ethanol is produced domestically and it is renewable
Hydrogen can help reduce US dependence on foreign
oil by being produced by renewable resources
"Community Fuels" is a
trademark and service mark of American Biodiesel, Inc.