Biodiesel, A Better Alternative

Biodiesel and renewable diesel are the most diverse fuels on the planet. They are made from a broad range of feedstocks including soybean oil, animal fats and used cooking oil. Biodiesel's ability to find new uses for fats and oils makes it an ideal advanced biofuel, reducing emissions by more than 50 percent compared to petroleum.

A Cleaner Choice

Biodiesel reduces lifecycle emissions by 85 percent or more compared to petroleum. It reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent, lowers particulate matter by 47 percent, reduces smog and makes our air healthier to breathe. It has been designated a clean air choice by the American Lung Association.

And, that's not all. For every unit of fossil energy it takes to produce biodiesel, 3.5 units of renewable energy are returned, the best of any U.S. fuel. Also, new land is not required for biodiesel production. Instead, this advanced biofuel uses readily available, diverse resources.

Available Now with Proven Performance

Biodiesel and renewable diesel are a simple solution for users. They fit seamlessly with today's diesel infrastructure. In other words, they can be used in existing diesel engines, storage tanks, and dispensers without modification. Typically blended with petroleum diesel at some level, biodiesel blends provide performance characteristics similar to diesel in fuel economy, horsepower and torque while improving cetane and lubricity, which can extend engine life. No performance trade offs need to be made with this petroleum alternative.

As other sectors find pathways to greenhouse gas reduction, heavy-duty transportation will remain reliant on liquid fuels for years to come, even as an array of alternatives expands. The U.S. consumes more than 40 billion gallons of diesel on its roadways every year. Only our clean diesel offers the energy density and lifecycle properties to dramatically reduce emissions in the large heavy-duty trucking industry today, and well into the future.

Job Creator, Economy Driver

Biodiesel supports more than 60,000 American jobs. In fact, for every 100 million gallons of biodiesel that is produced – the industry creates 3,200 jobs. So, as biodiesel grows – so does its job-creating ability.

Biodiesel production impacts more than just the biodiesel industry. As diverse as its feedstocks, so are the sectors impacted economically. Biodiesel drives economic benefits for manufacturing, service, transportation and agriculture, to name a few. After more than 25 years, biodiesel has grown to adding more than $12 billion to the US economy. 

Additional Resources

For more information about biodiesel, check out these additional resources.

• Biodiesel Basics
• Fact Sheets and Handouts
• News
• State & Federal Policy Information
• Finding Biodiesel
• Biodiesel Sustainability