Biodiesel bulldozes ahead

Environmental Health Perspectives, August, 2002 by Erin E. Dooley

Use of biodiesel in the United States grew from 500,000 gallons in 1999 to 20 million gallons in 2001 due partly to better supply, changes in farm equipment manufacturer warranties, and a growing desire to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum. Vehicles that use biodiesel--made using vegetable oils, fats, and greases--have fewer emissions of heavy hydrocarbons, particulate matter, CO, and C[O.sub.2], making this trend not only politically correct but also healthier for people and the environment.

Biodiesel producers will benefit from a U.S. EPA move last year to cut the amount of sulfur allowed in diesel fuel from 500 ppm to 15 ppm by 2006. Biodiesel is the only fuel that already meets this standard.