Why Bio-Diesel as an Attractive Alternative Fuel (Rep. Tim Walberg)

I don’t know about you, but every time over the past month I have traveled to the pump to fill my truck up with gas, I’ve cringed.

As a member of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I am committed to exploring ways in which we can broaden our energy supply through American alternative energy sources.

America must diversify our nation’s energy portfolio and find ways to use cleaner burning, home-grown, renewable alternative sources.

Currently, I am working with members from both sides of the aisle to find a solution to our dangerous dependency on Middle Eastern energy, while protecting the American taxpayer.

This week, I introduced H.R. 2178, the Energy Independence through Bio-Diesel Act, legislation which will continue the process of moving our country towards energy independence.

This bill would create a 2% standard for bio-diesel by amending the Clean Air Act to require that within five years two percent of all diesel sold will be bio-diesel.

Bio-diesel has higher oxygen content, is cleaner burning and has higher energy content than regular diesel fuel. Additionally, bio-diesel is non-corrosive and has higher lubricity than regular diesel.

In 2005, 55 billion gallons of diesel were consumed, and a 2% standard would create a 1.1 billion gallon market for clean-burning, home-grown, bio-diesel.

Finding solutions to the high price of energy will not be easy, but increasing the use of alternative energies, along with increased American energy production and conservation, will significantly reduce America’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil and lower prices at the pump.