All about biodiesel
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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 |
In this week's issue...
- January 25, 2024
- Bagging it
State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies
- January 26, 2024
- Paper chase
The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.
- January 11, 2024
- High and dry
New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows