Biodiesel
An alternative to standard diesel fuel. Biodiesel has become America’s fastest growing alternative fuel (according to the Department of Energy). This clean-burning, renewable fuel is created by combining methanol or ethanol (the base) with any type of vegetable oil, such as canola or soybean oil, or animal fat. It can be used in any diesel engine, either by itself or blended with petroleum diesel.
Biodiesel is currently more expensive to use than pure diesel fuel. Many people combine a mixture of biodiesel with diesel petroleum in order to both decrease costs and to ensure that the biodiesel does not congeal in colder climates. The use of biodiesel results in a reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other cancer-causing compounds. Biodiesel produces up to 78% less CO2 than petroleum diesel fuel, and helps to reduce greenhouse gases.
The use of biodiesel decreases dependence on oil. More people are becoming aware of its benefits to the environment and production in the USA tripled in 2005, reaching 75 million gallons domestically. The Department of Energy states projects that this will double in 2006.
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I think all those opposing the development of Bio fuel, point to the use of large quantity of Corn, Soy and Rape seeds, which they claim are important
for animal feed, oils, and human beings.
Manufacturers of Biofuel, can look around for any other non-food crops, which Agricultural experts have found can be successfuly grown in lands not suitable for food crops.