What is Biodiesel? Biodiesel is made from natural, renewable resources such as vegetable oils from plants and recycled restaurant greases. It acts like diesel fuel, but produces significantly less air pollution, is biodegradable, and is safe for the environment. How is biodiesel used? Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine, with no or few considerations to be addressed. It can be used in its pure form (B100) or as a blend with petroleum diesel, most commonly 20% biodiesel (B20). The use of B20 is essentially a balancing of the emissions benefits with the cost, cold weather and solvency considerations noted below. Does biodiesel reduce air pollution? Yes. Biodiesel reduces nearly all forms of air pollution compared to petroleum diesel. Most importantly, biodiesel reduces air toxics and cancer-causing compounds, and will also reduce the soot associated with diesel exhaust. Does biodiesel reduce greenhouse gases? Yes. Biodiesel reduces greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. Lifecycle analyses of biodiesel production, distribution and use show that biodiesel produces 78% less CO2 than petroleum diesel fuel. Is biodiesel safe for the environment? Yes. Pure, 100% biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable. If spilled, it will quickly degrade into natural organic residues. Biodiesel makes a safe lubricant for numerous applications, such as concrete forms and asphalt trucks. Its solvent properties also make it an excellent, safe parts cleaner, reducing skin and eye irritation associated with other cleaners. Has biodiesel been proven as a viable fuel? Yes. Biodiesel is registered as a fuel and fuel additive with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Departments of Transportation and Energy recognize biodiesel as an alternative fuel. An ASTM standard, D6751, has been developed to ensure biodiesel quality. Diesel vehicles have driven more than forty million miles on biodiesel fuel in the U.S., even more in Europe. Applications include: school and transit buses, recycling and waste disposal trucks, heavy-duty freight hauling and delivery trucks, construction equipment, and marine boats and tugs. Does biodiesel affect fuel economy or engine performance? A 20% blend of biodiesel (B20) most often produces no change in fuel economy, but use of B100 may reduce fuel economy by up to 8%. Engine performance is typically unaffected, although some users of B100 have experienced a slight power loss at the high end. Biodiesel provides lubricity, so even at low blends it will reduce wear and tear on the engine. Are there any special handling or safety considerations? In general, the standard storage and handling procedures used for petroleum diesel can be used for biodiesel. The flash point for 100% biodiesel is significantly higher than that of diesel fuel, making biodiesel the safest fuel to use, handle and store. Like all diesel fuels, biodiesel can gel at low temperatures. For biodiesel blends, precautions beyond those employed for diesel are not needed. Additional precautions may be warranted with pure biodiesel. Biodiesel can be stored about the same length of time as diesel. Additives are recommended when storing biodiesel longer than 6 months. Biodiesel has a solvent effect which may release deposits on tank walls and pipes. Cleaning tanks prior to use or inspecting fuel filters during the initial phase of use are recommended. These effects are reduced when using biodiesel blends. Natural rubbers can be degraded by 100% biodiesel, so its use in older engines may require replacement of seals in fuel systems with synthetic materials. Such precautions are generally not needed with biodiesel blends. What is the availability and cost of biodiesel? Biodiesel can be shipped anywhere in the United States and is currently available through distributors in the Puget Sound region. The price of biodiesel varies depending on purchase volume and delivery costs. Presently in Puget Sound, B20 is selling for $.10 to $.20 per gallon above the cost of No. 2 diesel. Prices are expected to decrease as greater quantities are shipped and with the development of in-state production facilities. Does biodiesel fulfill EPAct mandates? Yes. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) requires federal, state and fuel provider fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. One credit is earned for every 450 gallons of B100 used, provided the fuel used contains at least 20% biodiesel and is used in vehicles weighing more than 8,500 lbs. Download Biodiesel Fact Sheet - PDF Document 644kb