Biodiesel is not exempt from most state, local and federal taxes.  Some states have passed legislation that reduces fuel excise taxes or provides other incentives to use biodiesel blends.  Please contact local tax authorities for more guidance.

Additionally, the Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program maintains a website that summarizes state and local incentives related to alternative fuels at

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/

Blends of biodiesel up to B20 can be stored in conventional tanks.  Great care should be taken when handling higher blends.  B100 can freeze at temperatures between 35ºF and 60ºF so fuel tanks and lines may need to be heated most climates.  Biodiesel should be heated to at least 10ºF greater than the cloud point of the fuel. 

B100 is not compatible with some hoses and gaskets.  It may soften and degrade certain types of rubber and plastics causing them to leak and eventually crumble. Viton is an approved seal material but is not common in many fuel systems. 

B100 is not compatible with some metals and plastics.  Biodiesel can form high sediment levels if in contact with copper, brass, bronze, lead, tin, or zinc (galvanized surfaces) for long periods of time. In addition, biodiesel may permeate common types of plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene over time.  These materials should NOT be used for storing B100.  Affected equipment should be replaced with carbon steel, aluminum or stainless steel.

Please consult the manufacturer about materials compatible with biodiesel.

Yes, B20 blends of biodiesel have been used successfully in many cold climates.  Bonfire Biodiesel is blended with Kerosene and cold flow additives during the winter months to ensure operability.  Customers using B5 may not experience any significant difference in fuel characteristics than conventional diesel in cooler climates.

Biodiesel blends greater than B20 are not recommended.

Of course you can!!! Any engine that uses diesel fuel can run on biodiesel.  (Even the new low emissions engines, since biodiesel has virtually NO sulfur.)  Since biodiesel has a solvent effect, it may release accumulated deposits in fuel lines and tanks.  These deposits can cause fuel filters to clog so a more frequent check of the fuel system may be helpful when switching to biodiesel. Most manufacturers now warranty engines burning fuels using B5 and some up to a B20 blend.  Click HERE for a list of manufacturers and their recommendations.  It is important to ensure that only fuel meeting ASTM D 6751 is used.

Biodiesel does have a distinct odor.  Customers may find that the exhaust emissions from vehicles and equipment smells more like a "French Fry" than dirty diesel fumes.

Biodiesel does contain less energy per gallon that typical diesel fuel.  B20 blends, however, should only show a slight (1%-2%) decrease in power, torque and fuel economy.  Most users do not notice any noticeable difference between B20 and diesel fuel. 

Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum in any percentage. B20 (a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel) has demonstrated significant environmental benefits with a minimum increase in cost for fleet operations and other consumers.

Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. It can be used in compressionignition
(diesel) engines with no major modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

Technical Definition: Biodiesel, n—a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, designated B100, and meeting the requirements of ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) D 6751.