Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel produced from renewable resources, such as soybeans or canola seeds. Although straight biodiesel (B100) does not contain any petroleum, it can be blended with petroleum to create a blend, such as the popular B20 (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent diesel) which is used by the City of Durango and Durango Mountain Resort. Such a blend requires no retrofitting and can be used in almost any diesel engine.

In addition to coming from a domestic, renewable resource, biodiesel is an attractive alternative to gasoline or diesel because of its decreased emissions. Although more expensive than gasoline – currently a gallon of B20 at the Main Avenue Exxon costs $2.63 – biodiesel gets better mileage (roughly the same as diesel). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average emissions of B20 as compared to conventional diesel are as follows:

• 20 percent less unburned hydrocarbons (smog and ozone precursor)

• 12 percent less carbon monoxide

• 12 percent less particulate matter

• 20 percent less sulfates (major components of acid rain)

• 13 percent less PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – potential cancer-causing compounds)

– Missy Votel