Oregon is well known for its focus on being “green” and conserving natural resources. In many cities throughout the state, you’ll find company fleets and city busses running on renewable energy, including biodiesel.
Here are some interesting facts about biodiesel:
How can eating a value meal help the environment?
Oregon is home to a tax incentive that encourages the use of low carbon diesel fuel. Under the “Fry Bill” or “Retail Biodiesel Tax Waiver”, companies that use biodiesel created from waste vegetable oil (or “yellow grease”) receive a full waiver of the 34 cents-per-gallon on-road diesel tax at the pump. Manufacturers of biodiesel obtain waste cooking oil from restaurants (including your favorite fast-food restaurants!) and prevent disposal of the material into landfills.
I heard biodiesel creates a rise in food prices. Is that true?
No. Biodiesel is manufactured from food waste, so it’s not making it harder to keep your grocery store supplied with food! For example, biodiesel made from soybeans uses only the oil portion of the soybean, not the protein portion consumed by animals and humans. Because more of the soybean can be used and sold, soybean production has increased making the supply greater and lowering prices for consumers. Biodiesel can also be made from waste animal fats and vegetable oil.
But does biodiesel perform as well as conventional fuel?
Yes. One of the most common blends of biodiesel is B20, which means the fuel is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent conventional fuel. B20 has shown similar fuel economy, horsepower, torque, and haulage rates as diesel fuel. 90% of US commercial biodiesel producers have earned the BQ 9000 certification, which ensures their product meets national fuel quality standards.
What’s new in Oregon in regards to biodiesel?
A worldwide producer of renewable diesel (similar to biodiesel but produced in different means from 100% renewable material) is on its way! The Neste Corporation just announced a partnership this month with McCall Companies, an Oregon fuel distributor based in Portland. Through this partnership, fleets will have greater access to purchase Neste’s MY Renewable DieselTM, which is a high-performance low carbon diesel fuel.
Would you like to learn more about biodiesel and other alternative energy solutions?
Visit us at the Rogue Valley Clean Cities Coalition today! The Coalition works to enhance the livability and sustainability of Rogue Valley residents.
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