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Americans have traditionally relied on petroleum diesel for their vehicles. Petroleum fuel is typically imported from other countries and is a non-renewable resource. Luckily, we now have another option: biodiesel. Many are afraid to use biodiesel primarily because they don’t know much about it. In fact, biodiesel is oftentimes a better option than petroleum diesel. If you’re on the fence about its use, here are three reasons to use biodiesel and make the switch.
It’s good for our planet
Current sources of fuel come from fossil fuels, meaning they are being collected from the earth. The world will eventually run out of fossil fuels, leaving humans with no way to power their methods of transportation.
Biodiesel, on the other hand, is a renewable resource. It’s made from organic materials and is the only commercial-scale fuel in the United States to be recognized as an Advanced Biofuel by the Environmental Protection Agency. Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 86 percent. Considering that the constant and harmful diesel pollutants affecting our world, this is no small matter.
Not only is biodiesel better for the environment itself, it’s also better for the population. That’s because breathing in biodiesel is far less harmful because it reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 74 percent compared to petroleum.
It can benefit the economy
Biodiesel is made in America, which means it helps contribute to our economic independence from other countries while promoting the United States Dollar. Consider this: in 2017, the United States imported 19 percent of its petroleum. Continuing to produce and use biodiesel can help provide America with energy security, which means consumers would not have to fear a lack of fuel or experience a hike in gas prices.
In addition to energy security, the use of biodiesel can also promote economic growth in the country. As the demand for biodiesel grows, more jobs will be created and more farmers will have a new source of income. These farmers can begin to plant crops specifically for converting into biodiesel, which is an effective investment. 60 pounds of soybeans converts to 11 pounds of soybean oil, which makes 1.5 gallons of biodiesel. Farmers can begin to bring energy security to America by growing crops for biodiesel, but it’s important that the need is there.
It will work in your vehicle
Biodiesel can be used in your car now without any changes needing to be made. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has ensured that engines are designed and manufactured for fuel that meets its standards, and in 2001, the society approved the standard for biodiesel.
This means that you rest assured knowing you can use biodiesel in your current car, or in any new vehicle you purchase from a car dealership in Enfield, CT or your local town. Cars that were manufactured over fifteen years ago may need a new fuel line, but that’s a simple enough switch to make when faced with all the benefits of using biodiesel.
Currently, the National Biodiesel Accreditation Committee is working to ensure that biodiesel marketers and producers meet the ASTM standards. Consumers who use biodiesel in their vehicles can feel confident that the car manufacturers and fuel producers are looking out for their cars and their safety.
Biodiesel has been produced commercially for over a decade, with a growth of 25 million gallons produced in the early 2000s to more than 2.8 billion gallons in 2016. At the industry’s current rate of growth, manufacturers are hoping to produce 10 percent of the biodiesel transportation market by 2022.
It’s clear that switching to biodiesel is great for ourselves and the environment, and ultimately, a simple choice to make. Consumers can find themselves a biodiesel producer and implement this positive change immediately. After all, 10 percent of the transportation market will be biodiesel very soon.
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