Legislation Update Biodiesel requirements Legislation that requires all diesel fuel dispensed in the state to be a mixture that is at least 2 percent biodiesel (B2) with petroleum diesel making up the remainder has been introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives. Book’s bill would further require that all state and local government entities use a diesel fuel mixture that is at least 20 percent biodiesel (B20) by June 1, 2005. While B2 diesel will assist owners of diesel engines in the state to meet the EPA’s clean air regulations that go into effect June 2006, the B20 diesel, which would be mandated for government entities, will further reduce emissions and allow state and local governments to take a lead in biodiesel consumption across the country. While Ohio Farm Bureau supports efforts to increase the use and production of biodiesel, it hesitates to mandate its use. "We will continue to work with Representative Book’s office to bring increased biodiesel use to Ohio; however, our focus will continue to be on federal legislation as a state-by-state approach is not the most viable solution," said Scott Williams, OFBF director of state legislative affairs. "We would certainly like to see a biodiesel production facility here in Ohio, but are cautious about placing government mandates on the petroleum industry." Biodiesel, which is made mainly from soybeans and various other vegetable oils, is by no means a new concept. When Rudolph Diesel invented the first diesel fueled internal combustion engine, he intended it to run on vegetable oil alone, however it was quickly found that petroleum diesel could provide greater horsepower. Modern biodiesel, however, is actually blended with petroleum diesel for a resulting fuel that increases engine longevity while maintaining horsepower and reducing emissions by almost half. | |