Biodiesel Passes Muster

Environmental Health Perspectives, Dec, 2000 by Erin E. Dooley

Members of the U.S. House Energy and Power Subcommittee announced on 22 June 2000 that biodiesel has become the first alternative fuel to pass the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Use of biodiesel, made from products such as soybean oil, has now been shown to result in a 90% decrease in air toxics compared to conventional fuels. Nontoxic biodiesel is biodegradable and can be used in regular diesel engines with few or no modifications.

Representative John Shimkus (R-Illinois), who cosponsored 1998 legislation recognizing biodiesel as an official alternative fuel for meeting Energy Policy Act requirements, said that biodiesel helps communities comply with the act in a cost-efficient manner, provides a market for American farm products, and enhances the nation's energy security.