| Biodiesel can be used anywhere diesel is used, from an 18-wheeler to a home heating oil furnace. In fact, biodiesel can be used in most diesel engines without any retrofitting. The original diesel engine designed by Rudolph Diesel in the 1890’s used peanut oil. Both biodiesel and petroleum diesel can be interchanged from fill-up to fill-up, so there is no risk to trying biodiesel. Many fleets and individuals throughout the country and abroad use biodiesel. For example, here in Philadelphia the Philadelphia Eagles use biodiesel in their field maintenance equipment. The City of Philadelphia uses biodiesel in their garbage collection trucks. The Pennsylvania Turnpike uses biodiesel in its fleet. Thousands of Pennsylvania homes stay warm using biodiesel in their home heating oil burners. You can purchase biodiesel directly from producers, petroleum distributors, or at many filling stations -- click here to find a biodiesel retailer in your area. Biodiesel has enjoyed rising popularity in recent years in response to growing interest in energy independence, concern over climate change, and rising oil costs. In 2007 Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, which includes a national requirement for renewable fuel usage. This Renewable Fuel Standard will create a regulated market for biodiesel. |
