03/09/06 Setting the record straight on biodiesel

University of Idaho biodiesel researchers say the fuel from renewable sources produces far more energy for consumers than it takes to make. Jon Van Gerpen says his research show biodiesel made from rapeseed, canola, soy or mustard oil produces three to three and a half times the energy it takes to produce it. VAN GERPEN "A lot of the energy that goes into producing the fuel is solar energy. That's free. Its not part of a fossil resource that we would be using up." Van Gerpen says there are a few biofuel critics who apparently fail to recognize the difference between soybean oil and biodiesel. Van Gerpen says Americans have ignored biodiesel and ethanol because of a belief that gasoline is the cheapest fuel available. VAN GERPEN "It may not be that way for long but they feel that is the lowest cost and that's what we should use. The other side of that argument is the ways that our society works not all of the real costs are passed along into the final selling price of a fuel." Van Gerpen says biodiesel is gaining popularity and is being used on US farms and in the trucking industry. The University of Idaho has been deeply involved in biodiesel research from the beginning. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott