Donald Schregardus

Biodiesel is a cleaner burning alternative fuel that can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with petroleum diesel. It can be made from any fat or oil, such as soybean oil, produced here in the United States.

“The U.S. Navy is the largest diesel fuel user in the world, and by taking responsibility for reducing its own use of petroleum, the Navy has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing the use of biodiesel and other alternative fuels,” said Joe Jobe, NBB executive director. “With the United States importing more than half of its oil needs, turning to domestic energy sources like biodiesel is vital. The U.S. Navy has recognized the importance of increasing domestic energy security by turning to homegrown solutions.”

“The Navy believes that protecting the environment is part of our mission. Being good stewards of our lands, of the oceans that we train on is critical,” said Schregardus. “It’s part of the day-to-day life of the sailors and marines that work for the department.”

Jobe pointed to the following examples of the Navy’s leadership role in supporting biodiesel:

• In March 2005, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (Installations and Environment) Wayne Arny issued a memorandum that established a policy that most non-tactical diesel vehicles shall operate on a blend of 20% biodiesel fuel (B20) whenever possible. This new Navy policy will lead to greater use of the domestically produced fuel and increase U.S. energy security by reducing dependence on foreign sources of oil.

  

• In 2003, Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in Port Hueneme, Calif. began a unique pilot program making biodiesel from its own biodiesel processing unit. Eventually, the Navy could send portable biodiesel processing units overseas to produce its own fuel while on missions abroad. This could give the U.S. military a tactical advantage should fuel supplies be compromised. [More...]

• Adjacent to the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, the Navy Exchange Quarters “K,” located at 801 S. Joyce Street in Arlington, VA, offers B20 to government fleets as well as the general public.

Biodiesel significantly reduces emissions such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and particulate matter. It is nontoxic, biodegradable and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Biodiesel offers similar fuel economy, horsepower and torque to petroleum diesel while providing superior lubricity. Today, it is the fastest growing alternative fuel in America, and about 500 major fleets use biodiesel nationwide. Over 450 retail filling stations make various biodiesel blends available to the public, and more than 1,400 petroleum distributors carry it nationwide.

NBB is the nonprofit trade association for the biodiesel industry and is headquartered in Jefferson City, MO.

Readers can learn more about biodiesel by visiting www.biodiesel.org/