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Exploring Alternative Fuels

Since April 22, 1970, the United States has celebrated Earth Day. Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, initiated Earth Day to "forcibly thrust the issue of environmental quality and resources conservation into the political dialogue of the nation." Nelson's accomplishment in the environmental arena eventually led to fundamental legislation, including the Environmental Policy Act (1969), the Clean Air Act (1970), the Clean Water Act (1977) and fuel efficiency standards for automobiles. And for over 30 years, millions of people unite to heed this urgent call to action and celebrate the environment on April 22nd.

In honor of Earth Day, we thought we would examine alternative fuels that are already in use to generate energy. Not to mention the fact that gasoline prices are expected to rise this summer.

Today, this country obtains ethanol from corn. A common blend using Ethanol is known as E10, which is 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline. In addition, "Flexible Fuel" vehicles are on the market and on the roads. Flexible Fuel vehicles use a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline, which is commonly known as E85. Still in the early stages, ethanol production does require a great deal of energy, so there is some debate on its overall efficiency. For more information on the power of Ethanol and E85, access http://www.E85Fuel.com. This website also provides you access to a downloadable manual titled, "Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85," which was put out by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Another fuel obtainable through our crops is biodiesel. Biodiesel is a non-toxic fuel that is made from crops like soybeans. Through transesterification, glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil, leaving behind two products—- methyl esters (the chemical for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct used in soaps and other products). Although biodiesel contains no petroleum, it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. For more information and/or if you are a fuel distributor or a retailer offering blends of B2 or higher using biodiesel that meets the ASTM D 6751 specification, check out the website for the National Biodiesel Board at http://www.Biodiesel.org. The website provides access to a national database listing distributors and retailers offering biodiesel blends.