The U.S. biodiesel industry produced more than 1 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, a key milestone. Continue Reading

Researchers have found a somewhat promising source for producing biodiesel. And though it would only supply a fraction of the need, the silver lining is that it keeps the would-be waste material out of the landfill and turns it into something useful. Engineers at the University of Louisiana are proposing alligator fat as the basis for making alternative fuel, particularly for its easily convertable oil content. They say it’s similar to biodiesel produced from soybeans, but its pluses are that it wouldn’t take away from a food source or drive up its prices as a result. Thus far, converting Continue Reading

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is at odds with the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) over findings released by the federal government about the cost and paybacks of the country’s proposed biodiesel mandate to go into effect July 1. Specifically, the government’s Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) found the costs of requiring 2 percent biodiesel in Canada would exceed benefits by $2.5 billion over the next 25 years and have only a minor impact on reducing greenhouse gases. Among the CTA’s concerns are the higher fuel costs for truckers, potential supply issues and Continue Reading

In response to Canada’s recently approval of a national biodiesel requirement, several organizations are urging the federal government to reconsider and put the brakes on the mandate that would take effect later this year. The Canadian Petroleum Products Insitute and the Canadian Trucking Alliance both have expressed doubt about the national renewable diesel mandate of 2 percent biodiesel and heating oil. The CPPI specifically warns that the government has not given itself adequate lead time to make the Continue Reading

In a move expected to boost eco-friendliness and jobs, Canadian officials announced a mandate that would require diesel to contain at least 2 percent biofuel content beginning July 1. Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent said such a rule would reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation. Both government officials and environmental lobby groups praised the measure as a means of creating new jobs, protecting valuable resources and Continue Reading

With an agreement to pursue the use of algae-based biodiesel, J.B. Hunt is taking steps to become a leader in the use of renewable fuels. In partnership with SunEco Energy, the transportation carrier completed testing in B20 and B50 biodiesel, and the results indicated an 82 percent reduction in Continue Reading

Initial results of European testing of second-generation biodiesel fuels show reduced emissions compared to traditional petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel made from hydtrotreated vegetable oils has been tested in 14 Mercedes Benz trucks under everyday conditions in a joint pilot program involving several Continue Reading

As the greater use of biodiesel becomes more of a reality, two organizations have teamed up to create emergency response materials for incidents involving the fuel. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have produced Continue Reading

The first biodiesel terminal in the country dedicated to the sale and distribution of renewable fuels is expected to lower its cost to Great Lakes customers, but the comopany sees it as “just the beginning” of supplying Continue Reading

By establishing a biofuels task group and offering recovery funds for renewable fuel projects, President Obama has given the go-ahead for increasing the use of biofuels in the U.S. Several states have already passed legislation Continue Reading