Is biodiesel fuel better to use than regular diesel fuel?
Biodiesel has the potential to provide a number of important benefits. As an alternative to diesel, it can help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Biodiesel also provides significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. B100 (100 percent biodiesel) reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent, while B20 (20 percent biodiesel / 80 percent conventional, petroleum diesel fuel) reduces GHG emissions by at least 10 percent. In addition, biodiesel offers several criteria emissions benefits for the existing vehicle fleet. It reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM), and sulfates, as well as hydrocarbon and air toxics emissions. On the other hand, a 2002 EPA summary analysis of existing data suggests that vehicles using biodiesel may emit slightly more oxides of nitrogen (NOx) (about two percent for B20 and 10 percent for B100). Subsequent studies have yielded mixed results, with some showing small increases and others showing small decreases
Biodiesel has the potential to provide a number of important benefits. As an alternative to diesel, it can help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Biodiesel also provides significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. In addition, biodiesel offers several criteria emissions benefits for the existing vehicle fleet. It reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM), and sulfates, as well as hydrocarbon and air toxics emissions. On the other hand, a 2002 EPA summary analysis of existing data suggests that vehicles using biodiesel may emit slightly more oxides of nitrogen (NOx) (about two percent for B20 and 10 percent for B100). Subsequent studies have yielded mixed results, with some showing small increases and others showing small decreases. EPA plans a further investigation to fully assess this issue, including the emissions impact of using biodiesel in vehicles equipped with PM traps and NOx aftertreatment designed to meet strict new emission standards. Most
