WASHINGTON - The National
Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded the White House's directive Tuesday ordering
the federal government to move toward alternative-fuel vehicles, pointing out
biodiesel's unique position as a widely available advanced biofuel that
significantly reduces emissions and can be used in existing vehicles.
The Federal Government uses
more than 66 million gallons of diesel fuel and 6.5 million gallons of
biodiesel each year.
"Clearly there is room
for continued growth of biodiesel in the federal fleet as biodiesel is
perfectly suited for this program," said Gary Haer, vice president of
Renewable Energy Group Inc. and chairman of NBB, the national trade association
for the U.S. biodiesel industry. "Dozens of local governments,
universities and other institutions already are using biodiesel to help green their
fleets. It's something the federal government could do immediately, without
leaving the taxpayer a big bill for new equipment."
Biodiesel is a renewable,
clean-burning diesel replacement that is reducing U.S. dependence on foreign
petroleum, creating green jobs and improving our environment. Made from an
increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil,
agricultural oils and animal fats, it is the only commercial-scale U.S. fuel to
meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) definition as an Advanced
Biofuel. The EPA has determined that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57
percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel, while also significantly
cutting nearly every major air pollutant.
Its production, distribution
and use will support more than 30,000 U.S. jobs and replace nearly 1 billion
gallons of petroleum diesel in 2011. Biodiesel meets strict specifications of
ASTM D6751 and is warrantied for use by all major engine manufacturers.
"Imagine the entire
federal diesel fleet powered by biodiesel. It's within reach, and an achievable
objective for this Administration," added Haer.
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