Biodiesel dramatically reduces harmful emissions that cause environmental problems
such as global warming, acid rain and smog. Biodiesel reduces CO2 emissions by over
78% compared to petroleum diesel. Even blended with petroleum diesel, biodiesel
significantly reduces emissions. Furthermore, the plants used to make biodiesel
feedstock absorb more CO2 as they grow than the biodiesel produces when it is burned.
This means that in the lifecycle of biodiesel production and use no new carbon
byproducts are created. See emission reduction chart below for additional emission
reduction data.
Health problems as a result of emissions exposure are also greatly reduced by the
cleaner emissions of biodiesel. According to the American Lung Association biodiesel
emissions are 90% less toxic than petro-diesel and will reduce incidents of health
hazards such as asthma, emphysema and lung cancer.
Biodiesel is domestically produced. Biodiesel benefits American farmers, American
businesses and the national economy. Job creation, new markets for domestic
agricultural products and keeping our energy dollars domestic are just a few of the
many economic benefits gained by using biodiesel instead of imported petroleum diesel.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel source. Unlike fossil fuels, biodiesel is made from
vegetable oilseed crops grown in America, which replenishes the market annually with
renewable feedstock.
Biodiesel is rapidly biodegradable and non-toxic. Biodiesel handling and use is far less
damaging to the environment than petroleum fuel, and is particularly superior in the
event of a spill or leak.
Biodiesel can be stored anywhere that petroleum diesel fuel is stored. All diesel fueling
infrastructure including pumps, tanks and transport existing trucks can be used with
biodiesel.
Biodiesel can be used alone or mixed in any amount with petroleum diesel fuel. A 20%
blend of biodiesel with diesel fuel is called "B20," a 5% blend is called "B5" and so on.
Biodiesel has superior lubrication quality than that of diesel fuel. It increases engine life
and can be used to replace sulfur, the acid-rain-causing lubricating agent in petroleum
diesel.
Biodiesel is safer to transport. Biodiesel has a high flash point, or ignition temperature,
of about 300 degrees F compared to petroleum diesel fuel, which has a flash point of
125 degrees F.
Engines running on biodiesel run normally and have similar fuel mileage to engines
running on diesel fuel. Auto ignition, fuel consumption, power output, and engine torque
are relatively unaffected by biodiesel.
Biodiesel has a pleasant aroma in comparison to the toxic smell of petroleum diesel
fuel.
Biodiesel is recognized by the EPA as an alternative fuel and is the only alternative fuel
that has successfully completed Tier I and Tier II Health Effects Testing under the Clean
Air Act and meets clean diesel standards established by the California Air Resources
Board.
Biodiesel saves money. Engines running on biodiesel have been shown to need less
maintenance. Also, biodiesel use allows federal fleet managers to keep existing
equipment on the road longer and still adhere to new, stricter emissions standards.
"Biodiesel Myths and Facts" -- download flier
See the studies and learn more about this great fuel at: www.biodiesel.org.
Throughout the world, governments are beginning to realize that in terms of pollution, health, and geo-political stability, petroleum is no longer the fuel of choice. Also, being a finite resource, petroleum oil will only become more expensive as it becomes more scarce. Biodiesel can help NYC become more energy independent.
NYC can lead the way to a brighter future by transitioning to biodiesel today.


