Many Minnesotans may be getting behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car; however, in some way or another, experts say the harmful fumes of diesel fuel effect us all.
As pointed out by Robert Moffitt, director of media relations for the American Lung Association, nearly everything Americans eat, wear, buy or sell in this country is transported by truck, train or barge powered by diesel fuel.
“It is a threatening health risk,” Moffitt said of the powerhouse diesel fuel. “But, there are alternatives. We’re getting the word out there about biodiesel fuel.”
In an effort to educate the public about then benefits of biodiesel fuel — a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel — the American Lung Association in Minnesota is hosting two free workshops from 2 to 4:30 p.m. June 21, and from 9 to 11:30 a.m. June 22 at the AmericInn in International Falls.
The organization’s website explains that diesel fuel is linked to particulate air pollution, threatening the lung health of millions of Americans.
Because of toughening federal emissions standards diesel is cleaning up its act, the website said. In fact, Minnesota has established the first-in-the-nation biodiesel requirement that is reducing emissions as well as moving the country closer to using a renewable and cleaner transportation fuel.
“Right now, Minnesota requires 5 percent biodiesel to be mixed into diesel fuels,” Moffitt told The Journal Wednesday.
He explained that it started out at a 2 percent mix and by 2015, a 20-percent blend will be used during warmer months. “This will have a significant impact on air quality,” he said.
The workshops will be given by Hoon Ge, a nationally recognized fuel expert of MEG Corp. MEG Corp is a fuel-consulting company providing technical expertise to all segments of the diesel industry. The company’s website highlights that experts like Ge offer fuel consulting in the areas of biodiesel, heating oil, fuel additives, gasoline and ethanol. MEG Corp operates its own fuel testing laboratory and have conducted many studies on the behalf of its clients.
“A lot of people wonder if we’re doing anything to move towards cleaner sources of energy and the answer is ‘yes’,” Moffitt said.
Next week’s workshops will give insight to help people understand the role of biodiesel fuel in Minnesota, Moffitt said. He promised that Ge will provide enough information that most will walk away from the experience knowing “more about diesel fuel than they ever thought they could.”
What is biodiesel
The American Lung Association defines biodiesel fuel as an alternative to petroleum diesel that is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or waste grease. Typically, biodiesel is made from soybean oil or waste fats left over from cooking. Pure biodiesel contains no petroleum. However, it blends easily with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel has been blended in low levels with petroleum diesel in the past to increase the lubricating qualities of the ultra low-sulfur diesel and at the 100 percent level in special applications such as underground mining or for boat engines used in sensitive waterways.
“We’re hoping that this information leads Minnesotans and Americans to considering putting a higher blend of biodiesel fuel into their gas tanks,” Moffitt said. “The current amount of biodiesel mandate is the equivalent of taking 55,000 vehicles off the road annually.”
Moffitt added that the price is “basically the same” as regular diesel fuels, it just “depends on the market.”
“Oil prices go up and down, but what is nice about biodiesel fuel is that it can be produced right here in Minnesota,” he said.
Currently, all Minnesota oil is imported because the state doesn’t have its own petroleum reserve. “But we do have a lot of things that we can make biodiesel from,” Moffitt said as he mentioned the soy bean and fryer oils. “Biodiesel is renewable and can be produced from many different oils. Americans can grow more biodiesel closer to home.”
For more information about the workshop or biodiesel fuel, visit www.cleanairchoice.org.
