USE of more biodiesel would make a positive contribution to reducing carbon pollution, according to newly published energy research from the University of Idaho and USDA.
The research shows that for every unit of fossil energy needed to produce biodiesel, the return is 4.5 units of energy.
The report says this energy-in, energy-out ratio is energy balance and that biodiesel made from soybean oil has a high energy balance because the main energy source used to grow soybeans is solar.
"This gives Americans even more reason to put their faith in the environmental and societal benefits of biodiesel," said Joe Jobe, CEO of the US National Biodiesel Board.
"The Environmental Protection Agency should take this into account when considering biodiesel's greenhouse gas reductions."
Jobe says EPA should recognise that biodiesel production is growing more efficient, while oil exploration and drilling becomes more intensive each day.
Biodiesel is also a source of valuable co-products, like glycerin, for which EPA did not credit biodiesel.
The Idaho/USDA study cites key drivers that continue to make biodiesel an efficient fuel choice.
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