What is biodiesel and why should I switchKRooneyKRooney162008-03-11T00:59:00Z2008-03-11T01:08:00Z14772724226319511.5604What is biodiesel and why should I switch?Biodiesel is a vegetable oil-based fuel that runs in unmodified diesel engines - cars, buses, trucks, construction equipment, boats, generators, and oil home heating units. Biodiesel is usually made from soy or canola oil, and can also be made from recycled fryer oil (yes, from McDonalds or your local Chinese restaurant). You can blend biodiesel with regular diesel or run 100% biodiesel. What are the benefits?1) National security. Since biodiesel is made domestically, biodiesel reduces our dependence on foreign oil. That's good.2) National economy. Using biodiesel keeps our fuel buying dollars at home instead of sending it to foreign countries. This reduces our trade deficit and creates jobs.3) It's sustainable & non-toxic. Face it, we're going to run out of oil eventually. Biodiesel is 100% renewable... we'll never run out of biodiesel. And if biodiesel gets into your water supply, there's no problem - it's just modified veggie oil! Heck, you can drink biodiesel if you so desire, but it tastes nasty (trust us).4) Emissions. Biodiesel is nearly carbon-neutral, meaning it contributes almost zero emissions to global warming! Biodiesel also dramatically reduces other emissions fairly dramatically. We like clean air, how about you? 5) Engine life. Studies have shown biodiesel reduces engine wear by as much as one half, primarily because biodiesel provides excellent lubricity. Even a 2% biodiesel/98% diesel blend will help.Why you need to convert now:92% cleaner than diesel. 40% better lubrication than petroleum diesel. Increased HP in most vehicles. No sulfur. Waste is organic. Reduces dependency on foreign oil. Receive tax credits in some states for running an alternative fuel. The Role of Biodiesel The goal of the biodiesel industry is not to replace petroleum diesel, but to extend its usefulness.  Biodiesel is one of several alternative fuels that have a place in the development of a balanced energy policy. The role of biodiesel is to contribute to the longevity and cleanliness of diesel engines. The most likely use of biodiesel will be in certain niche markets that require a cleaner-burning, biodegradable fuel.Emissions: The Clean Air Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess the contribution of non-road emissions to air pollution. EPA proposes to include marine diesel compression-ignition engines in the same regulatory framework as land-based, non-road compression-ignition engines. Regulatory Liability: The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 increases the civil and criminal penalties for causing spills and for violating marine safety and environmental protection laws. The law applies to all vessels, and fines up to $10,000 per day can be levied against serious offenders. Clean Water Act: The Clean Water Act requires states to establish standards for pollutants like grease and oil, in an effort to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological condition of U.S. waters. To start saving your environment & a little in your wallet, join our co-op visit us on the web at http://www.cgafoundation.org