MAY 2DDV
A RENEWABLE FUEL THAT
REDUCES AIR POLLUTION
WHAT You SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
BlODIESEL IN
NEW ENGLAND
BACKGROUND
Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be
manufactured from vegetable oils (primarily soy beans) or
recycled oils such as cooking oil. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable,
and reduces air pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons, and air toxics. Ongoing research is exploring whether
biodiesel increases emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Biodiesel used
in cars and trucks must meet the requirements of the American Society
of Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 testing protocol.
BLENDING BIODIESEL WITH REGULAR
DIESEL
Blends of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel- known as B20-can
be used in unmodified diesel engines or stationary boilers. Biodiesel can
be used in its pure form (BIOO), but may require engine modifications to avoid maintenance and
performance problems. Pure biodiesel can gel in cold weather, which can make BIOO unsuitable
for use in cold climates. Because biodiesel is a cleaner fuel, it is important to change the fuel filter
a few times during the initial period of biodiesel use.
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel.According to the US Department of Energy, biodiesel production and
use, in comparison to petroleum diesel, produces 78% less carbon dioxide emissions. Although
carbon dioxide is released when biodiesel made from soybeans is combusted, the annual production
of soybean crops helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
B20 reduces emissions of particulate matter and carbon monoxide by about 10%, as well as
lowers emissions of hydrocarbons (including some toxic air pollutants) by more than 20%. BIOO
reduces emissions of particulate matter and carbon monoxide by 47%, while lowering emissions
of hydrocarbons by 67%.
A 2002 ERA analysis suggested vehicles using biodiesel may emit slightly more NOx-about 2% for
B20 and 10% for BIOO - than regular diesel. Subsequent studies have yielded mixed results,with
some showing small increases and others showing small decreases. ERA plans further investigation
to fully assess this issue, including the emissions impact of using biodiesel in vehicles equipped
with PM traps and NOx aftertreatment technologies that are designed to meet strict emissions
standards.
ESTIMATED COST OF BIODIESEL BLENDS
While costs vary by location, a B20 blend generally costs about 200 per gallon more than regular
diesel fuel, and BIOO generally costs about $1 more per gallon. Biodiesel is being used in parts of
every state in New England.
Tax incentives may help offset the cost differential between biodiesel and regular diesel. Under
federal law, there are several tax credits available to biodiesel blenders and producers. For blenders,
one type of credit amounts to one penny per percentage point of biodiesel made from first-use oils
(such as soybean oil) and a half-penny per percentage of biodiesel made from other sources (such
continued D
EPA 901-F-07-004
I printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post consumer waste, using vegetable based inks
tSlODIE!
Biodiesel is a re-
newable fuel that is
usually refined from
soybean oil
Biodiesel can help
reduce many air
pollutants emitted by
diesel engines
© Biodiesel produc-
tion and use, in
comparison to
petroleum diesel,
produces 78% less
carbon dioxide
emissions
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as recycled cooking oil). In other words, an excise tax credit of $1 per gallon is offered to certified biodiesel blenders of refined
BIOO biodiesel. Blenders can pass these cost savings to consumers through competitive pricing practices.
Two tax credits created through the Energy Policy Act of 2005 provide different incentives for using biodiesel: the Alternative Fuel
Refueling Infrastructure Tax Credit (AFRITC) and the Small Agri-Biodiesel ProducerTax Credit (SABPTC). The AFRITC program
offers a credit for up to 30% of the installation cost for fueling stations that offer a range of alternative fuels, including biodiesel
blended to B20 or higher. The SABPTC program gives a 100-per-gallon credit, up to 15 milion gallons, to producers of agri-biodiesel
whose production capacity is less than 60 million gallons.
FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS AND BIODIESEL
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) required federal fleets to acquire a certain percentage (up to 75% by 2005) of alternative
fuel vehicles (AFVs). The updated Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) broadened the compliance options by allowing fleets to
choose a petroleum reduction path and waive the requirement for acquiring AFVs. To receive a waiver, fleets must prove to the
Department of Energy that they will achieve petroleum reductions equivalent to their AFVs running on alternative fuels 100% of
the time. EPAct 2005 also requires federal fleets to use alternative fuels in all dual-fuel vehicles.
PURCHASING BIODIESEL
The infrastructure to bring biodiesel to consumers is emerging at a rapid pace. Currently,
there are several suppliers of biodiesel, approximately 35 blenders and distributors of
biodiesel, and more than 50 biodiesel retail fueling sites in New England. Suppliers work with
a network of distributors to provide biodiesel to a variety of locations across the country
and throughout New England. Biodiesel is available for retail sale at a growing number of
refueling stations in New England.The National Biodiesel Board tracks suppliers, distributors,
and retail providers of biodiesel. For the most current list visit: www.biodiesel.org
USING BIODIESEL IN NEW ENGLAND
A number of organizations in New England are using biodiesel.While not a comprehensive
list, the following is a sampling of where biodiesel is being used in the region. All six New
England states offer retail fueling stations for biodiesel blends.
CONNECTICUT -The state DOT has been using B20 forfive years.Using biodiesel
could help generators earn renewable energy credits under the state's requirements
for green power.
MAINE - Biodiesel is used in home heating applications, organic and traditional farming
applications, and by individual motorists. LL Bean, Maine DOT and Oakhurst Dairy are
using biodiesel. In addition, the City of Bangor is using biodiesel in a number of city
vehicles.
MASSACHUSETTS - Biodiesel is used in home heating applications and by individual
motorists throughout the state. Otis Air Force Base, Harvard University, the University
of Massachusetts at Amherst, NSTAR, the Cities of Medford and Cambridge, and the
Town of Brookline are using biodiesel. Harvard uses biodiesel in all its diesel vechicles.
Like Connecticut, using biodiesel could help generators earn renewable energy credits
under the Massachusetts requirements for green power.
NEW HAMPSHIRE - The Mount Cranmore ski resort, the New Hampshire DOT,
Keene State, and Pease Air Force Base are using B20. Multiple companies have biodiesel
filling stations throughout the state.
RHODE ISLAND - Biodiesel has been used in water taxis, tour boats, and school
boilers.
VERMONT - The University ofVermont runs its buses on B20. Biodiesel is used in
diesel vehicles as well as in home and institutional heating applications in parts of the
state.
For More Information
US Environmental
Protection Agency
New England Office
www.epa.gov/ne/eco/diesel
SmartWay Grow and Go
Program
http://www.epa.gov/
s ma rtway/growa n dgo/
US Department of Energy
Office of Energy Efficiency
and Renewable Energy
(Clean Cities Program)
www. e e re. e n e rgy.gov/
cleancities/
www. e e re. e n e rgy.gov/afd c/
altfuel/biodiesel.html
US National Biodesel
Board
www.biodiesel.org
Canadian Renewable Fuels
Association
www.greenfuels.org/
biodieselsuppliers.html
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency New England
1 Congress Street
Suite 1100
Boston, MA 02114-2023
For more information call the EPA Air Quality
Hotline at 1-800-821-1237
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