Biodiesel: A Message of Unity and Well-Being

Business News/Analysis, Health Concerns/Benefits, Opinions, Policy, Sustainability

November 18, 2020

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by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Biodiesel has a great story to tell―a unifying, healing message. It is one that must be told to policymakers, regulators, and consumers lest the “electrify-everything” movement steamrolls our narrative before it is even considered.

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The petroleum industry is learning to embrace biofuels as a new business model while recognizing the need to join forces with renewable liquid fuels, providing a low-carbon alternative, and one that fits seamlessly into the existing infrastructure.

Biodiesel can cut particulate matter (PM) emissions by up to nearly 50 percent; hydrocarbon emissions by up to 67 percent; and carbon monoxide by up to 47 percent. Pollutant reduction amounts depend on the blend level, so the higher the biodiesel percentage in the fuel blend, the greater the emissions reductions.

These pollution reductions from combustion of biodiesel are critical to the U.S., especially today. PM is a known contributor to asthma, and conditions such as asthma can make the effects of COVID-19 much more serious. Given that biodiesel reduces PM by nearly 50 percent, the use of this renewable fuel is a clear, easy, and definitive way to address the negative effects of COVID-19 sweeping the nation.

During this time of coronavirus, the reliability of diesel has been unrivaled to aid in distribution of ventilators, food, and essential goods. However, it remains stigmatized as dirty despite major advancements over many decades. Engine, aftertreatment, and fuel economy technologies continue to help lower GHG emissions, noxious gases, and criteria pollutants from diesels.

As powerful as the benefits of biodiesel laid out above are in addressing the climate and health crises impacting U.S. citizens, there are many more. To use the parlance of these coronavirus times, the “safety and efficacy” of biodiesel has been proven time and time again, thanks in huge part to the health effects testing conducted on behalf of the National Biodiesel Board years ago.

Regarding oral toxicity, biodiesel is considered nontoxic. In fact, table salt is 10 times more toxic than biodiesel. Also, biodiesel’s flash point is more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit compared to petroleum diesel fuel’s flash point of 125 degrees. This means that biodiesel is safer to store, handle, and use than conventional diesel fuel. READ MORE

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