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Diesel blended with biodiesel—even just two percent biodiesel for lubricity in ULSD—is one part of a smarter energy future.

Biodiesel is not sexy, but of the alternative fuels currently available, it is the one most capable of reducing the U.S. carbon emissions. It is a good feeling to know that for very little or no change to diesel engines, the carbon footprint can be impacted without any significant investment to the current infrastructure.

Those who desire cleaner air for their families to breathe want to use biodiesel because it is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, as it produces less sulfur emissions than regular diesel.

It has been scientifically substantiated that biodiesel adds lubricity to engines and fuel systems, which reduces wear and tear on engine parts. Plus, in my opinion, it burns cleaner and smells better.

Americans want to use biodiesel because they want to reduce our country’s use of foreign oil. They understand that if we do use more biodiesel in diesel, we can help improve our security, air quality and economy. They know that when the oil flows to the U.S. from other countries, our money flows back to those countries.

Use of biodiesel helps the economies in many communities in our country. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction and all those that provide support services to these industries will benefit from jobs provided by the increased use of biodiesel.

One of the key differences in biodiesel over ethanol (used by most automobiles) is that biodiesel can be made from non-food sources, such as animal fat and reused vegetable oil. Last April (2007), Tyson Foods and ConocoPhillips announced they were forming an alliance to produce diesel from animal fat.