Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a diesel fuel produced from new or used vegetable and animal oils and fats. Biodiesel is biodegradable, reduces air pollutants such as PM, CO, HC and air toxics, and is a safer fuel to handle than petroleu m diesel. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine (trucks, buses, marine vessels, locomotives, stationary power generators, etc.) as well as
While studies show biodiesel reduces many types of tailpipe emissions, there is some uncertainty over the impact of biodiesel on NOx emissions. Bob McCormick of the National Renewable Energy Labs says, “There are insufficient data, and insufficiently representative data, to draw any conclusions regarding the average effect of biodiesel on NOx emissions, even directionally.” For more information on the subject, see this PowerPoint presentation by Bob McCormick.
General Resources
- Biodiesel from Algae
- Biodiesel: Fat to Fuel
- State by State Fuel Quality Enforcement Guide
- Interactive Map of Biodiesel Fueling Stations
- EPA Biodiesel Emissions Analysis Program
- The National Biodiesel Board (NBB)
- Biodiesel Association of Canada (BAC)
- Canada Clean Fuels
- E3 FLEET
- BQ-9000, Biodiesel Quality Management Program
Background
- Biodiesel Basics (BAC)
- Biodiesel Fact Sheets (NBB)
- Biodiesel Information (Western Washington Clean Cities)
Publications
- Biodiesel Report Database (NBB)
- Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines (Department of Energy, September 2006)
- A Comprehensive Analysis of Biodiesel Impacts on Exhaust Emissions (EPA, October 2002)
- Life Cycle Inventory of Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel for Use in an Urban Bus (USDA and DOE, May 1998)
- Washington State Contract, Fuel—Keep-Full & Bulk Delivery Services, May 2006
Legislation and Incentives
- Northwest Biofuels Legislative Update (April 3, 2007)
- National Biodiesel Board on Tax Incentives
- Washington State Biodiesel Incentive Summaries
- The 2005 Energy Policy Act (EPAct)
Fleet Use
In the News
News and Press Releases
- Biodiesel Study Targets Cleaner Air, Cleaner Engines
- Exploring the Long-Term Feasibility of an Oilseed Industry in the Columbia Basin
- U of Idaho & Eco-Energy Sign $2M Agreement to Enhance Oilseed Yields
- NBB Study Found 33% of U.S. Biodiesel Samples Out-of-Spec
- NREL B20 Study Shows No Increase in NOx Emissions
- Revised California Air Resources Board Draft Advisory on Biodiesel Use (November 14, 2006)
- Current News from the Biobased Information System
- NBB Press Releases
- EPA Regional Administrator Tours Seattle Biodiesel Facility, Presents Awards
- Bush Administration Touts Biofuel Initiative, Supports State and Local Innovators
Newsletters and Periodicals