At 10:16 AM 03/03/2006, Hayes Elkins wrote:
Biodiesel appeals to both sides of the political spectrum. It
pleases hippies to no end because it is a true "green" fuel, burns
cleaner than gas and has nearly ZERO emissions that contribute to
the greenhouse effect. Biodiesel also can be a 100% american
product, from harvesting to refining. That means no money goes to
OPEC and instead goes to american labor. Also biodiesel has better
lubricating qualities than traditional diesel fuel. The lifeblood of
our country, the diesel trucking industry, are now starting to
realize its potential to extend engine life. Imagine changing your
fuel filter just twice in a span of 500,000 miles? (Assuming you use
BD from the start, otherwise an older car will need its fuel filter
changed at first, because BD will loosen all gunk and the filter
will be full after a few days driving.)
From what I've read, Biodiesel isn't as good as it sounds. To use
it, the US would have to convert all farmland to soybeans or buy
soybeans from SA. Soybean and palm oil farming means more forest
land stripped and burnt (releasing carbon) to grow it.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/environment/archives/101129.asp
http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/biodiesel102104.cfm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,5673,1659036,00.html
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2005/6/27/9325/57114
T
