Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from domestic resources, such as vegetable oils, animal fats or waste materials.  Biodiesel diversifies the Nation’s energy supply and reduces our dependence on imported petroleum.

Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel.  Relative to petroleum diesel fuel, biodiesel produces 50 to 100 percent less emissions of key pollutants (nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, fine particulate matter, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, etc.) linked to asthma, cancer, smog formation, and other public health problems.

3. Biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Biodiesel is derived from energy-rich carbon compounds in plant biomass, which were produced from carbon dioxide molecules recently removed from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.  When biodiesel is burned, the carbon dioxide released does not represent a new source of carbon and therefore does not increase the net concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere – this is why biodiesel is referred to as a “carbon neutral” fuel (in contrast to fossil fuels, which release carbon that had previously been locked up in geologic formations for millions of years).  Even when all of the energy inputs over the entire biodiesel production life cycle are taken into account (energy associated with farming machinery, fertilizer production, chemical conversion of oils and fats to biodiesel, transportation, etc.), biodiesel use results in a 78% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions relative to petroleum diesel.

4.  Biodiesel is a driver of economic growth.

Development of the biodiesel industry in the United States will increase the Nation’s manufacturing capacity and develop new markets for domestic agricultural products.  Regions in which biodiesel production facilities are sited will benefit from new job creation, an enhanced tax base, and stimulation of the local economy.

5.  Biodiesel has a highly positive net energy balance.

Life cycle studies indicate that biodiesel yields 93% more energy than the energy resources used in its production.

6.  Biodiesel can be produced sustainably.

A wide range of feedstocks can be used to produce biodiesel.  As the biodiesel industry grows, effort is being increasingly focused on alternative feedstocks (jatropha, castor bean, algae, etc.) that will not displace food resources or compete for prime agricultural land.  Certain waste streams, such as used cooking oil and agricultural residues, can also be utilized in the biodiesel production process.

7.  Biodiesel is compatible with existing vehicles and fueling infrastructure.

Biodiesel can be used in any compression ignition (diesel) engine with few or no modifications.  Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel at any level and is governed by ASTM fuel quality specifications.  Biodiesel offers businesses an immediate and relatively inexpensive means of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to attain targeted reduction levels.

8.  Biodiesel is safe to store, transport and use.

Pure biodiesel is nontoxic and biodegradable.  Its flash point (the lowest temperature at which it can form an ignitable mixture in air) is over 100 degrees higher than petroleum diesel and over 300 degrees higher than gasoline.