BIODIESEL INITIATIVE
Local production, distribution and use of biodiesel fuel can lead to a substantial economic, health and environmental benefits for Northeast Ohio.
Biodiesel is a transport fuel made from biomass. Successful biodiesel feedstocks include oilseeds, waste vegetable oil and livestock renderings. When manufactured to the ASTM D6751 standard, biodiesel is a superior supplement to conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B100) but is most effective when mixed with petrodiesel in blends of between 2% and 20%.
Reasons to introduce biodiesel blends into local fuel supply include the health benefits of reducing the smoke, particulate matter and other harmful emissions from older technology diesel engines. Petrodiesel emissions impact drivers, passengers and people nearby. The elderly and children with asthma or other upper respiratory conditions are particularly affected by petrodiesel emissions.
Biodiesel also improves engine performance. Biodiesel's high lubricity results in better fuel efficiency and increased engine life. Biodiesel is also the safest transport fuel available. Pure biodiesel's flash point is above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Biodiesel is completely miscible with Diesel #1 and #2 grade fuels. At blends of 20% and below no modification of storage or injection systems is needed. Existing petroleum distribution systems are completely compatible. When used by government, school bus, utility, delivery and other fleets, biodiesel fuel allows these organizations to meet clean air regulations without heavy capital expenditures.
As benefits are realized and demand for biodiesel fuel increases, there will be opportunities to develop regional large scale biodiesel production and blending facilities, leading to local job creation and brownfield redevelopment, and contributing to an improved regional image for environmentally sustainable practices.
Compared to petrodiesel, biofuel contributes less than 25% as much Green House Gas emissions per gallon burned, and substituting biodiesel for petrodiesel reduces our country's dependence on foreign imports.
What is needed to implement biofuel in Northeast Ohio:
- A business plan with a licensed local petroleum marketer to help distribute biodiesel.
- A survey of local fleet biofuel usage and ongoing commitment to biofuel. Highlight Cleveland Metroparks, NASA and other successful “celebrity” early adopters.
- Retail biodiesel pumps implemented to make the fuel available to this growing private sector market. Ribbon cutting ceremonies and success stories can create important PR opportunities.
- Public awareness of biodiesel advantages through billboards, newspaper articles and other media.
- Assistance to fleet operators and municipalities to apply for grants and loans to accelerate their adoption of biofuels.
- Public relations work integrated with development of a viable regional plan to produce and distribute biofuel.
- As biofuel use increases, monitor air quality improvements relative to business as usual use of petrodiesel.
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