Federal Agencies in the
Western United States

Biodiesel Technical Reference Guide

 

Table of Contents

About This Guide

1. Introduction to Biodiesel

• What Is Biodiesel?
• Biodiesel Blends
• Technical Specifications
• Biodiesel Production

2. What Are The Legal Requirements and Incentives for Federal Agencies?

• Legal Mandates
• Other Legal Considerations
• Incentives

3. What Are The Advantages of Using Biodiesel Fuels to Federal Agencies?

• Benefits To The Environment and Public Health
• Reduces Problems With Waste Fat and Oils
• Ease of Use
• Biodiesel is Safer to Handle Than Petroleum Diesel
• Homeland Security
• Local Economic Benefits
• Least-cost Alternative Fuel Meeting EPAct Compliance

4. What Are The Challenges to Using Biodiesel Fuels?

• Limited Availability/Familiarity
• Manufacturer's Warranty
• Lack of Clarity on NOx Emissions Resulting from Biodiesel Use
• Degradation of Rubber Parts
• Higher Costs
• Cold Climate
• Other Technical Considerations

5. Who Is Already Using Biodiesel Fuels?

• US Naval Facilities Engineering Service, Port Hueneme, CA
• US Postal Service, Nationwide
• NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA
• NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
• National Park Service, Nationwide
• National Park Service, Denali & Katmai National Parks, AK
• National Park Service, Mt. Rainier National Park, WA
• McChord Air Force Base, WA
• USAF Installations, California
• Other Agencies

6. How Should Federal Agencies Start Buying and Using Biodiesel?

• Recommended Steps and Approach
• Where to Buy Biodiesel on the West Coast (and Nationwide)?

Acknowledgements and Disclaimer