Brazilian biodiesel blasts off

Environmental Health Perspectives, August, 2005 by Erin E. Dooley

With its immense agricultural sector, Brazil has the raw materials to become a leader in biodiesel production. Now it's building the capacity to turn these resources into fuel. This spring the country saw the opening of its first two biodiesel production plants. Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the national biodiesel program will provide not only fuel but also jobs in some of the country's poorest areas.

By 2008, Brazilian investment in biodiesel will reach US$515 million, with production nearing 211 million gallons. Brazilian gas stations were first authorized to sell biodiesel in January 2005. Fuel distributors can add up to 2% biodiesel to conventional diesel. In 2008, the addition will become mandatory.