It is the first and only domestically produced advanced biofuel produced in the U.S., so it’s no wonder biodiesel is being highlighted during October, Energy Awareness Month.
The green fuel’s biggest advocate, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), is taking this month to draw attention to biodiesel and its role in “POWERING AMERICA: We’re On Target,” the theme for the next 31 days:
The theme depicts how, across the nation, Federal agencies continue to zero in on energy targets to:
* Stimulate the economy
* Lower operating expenses
* Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
* Achieve long-term energy and economic security
The U.S. Department of Energy first recognized October as Energy Awareness Month in 1986.
“As a fuel, biodiesel achieves virtually all of the goals set forth by DOE for Energy Awareness Month,” said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO. “The use of biodiesel greatly reduces greenhouse gases, stimulates the economy and helps America move toward its goal of energy security.”
Biodiesel is the only domestically produced, advanced biofuel available in the U.S. It also has the highest energy balance of any commercially available fuel in the U.S. For every unit of energy it takes to make biodiesel, 4.5 units of energy are returned.
Missouri is considered a leader in renewable energy and a natural home for the NBB. The Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program … dedicated to reducing the amount of non-renewable petroleum … says the biodiesel industry really practices what it preaches, as does the NBB itself. A few years ago, the Biodiesel Board renovated an old building in Jefferson City putting in automatic lighting, high efficiency appliances and reusable dishes. The building makes the maximum use of natural light and even uses recycled carpet and nontoxic paint … a truly green building for a truly green fuel.