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John Feld (Deacon)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 7:25 pm: | |
Texas Truckers Turn
To Newfangled Fuel:
A Willie Nelson Brand
Vegetable, Animal Fat Blends
Are Federally Subsidized;
'Poster Child' for Biodiesel
By JEFFREY BALL
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
July 5, 2005; Page A1
FORT WORTH, Texas -- "This is my first time," Eddie Rogers, a 36-year-old heavy-equipment mechanic, said as he reached to pump some "biodiesel" into his heavy-duty Dodge pickup one recent afternoon. "It's supposed to be good stuff. And they say it's a little cheaper."
Sticker shock at the gas station, where the average price of gasoline has surged to $2.23 a gallon and diesel fuel to $2.39, has energy-addicted Americans looking for alternatives. Some are buying gasoline-and-electric hybrid cars. Mr. Rogers and thousands like him are taking a more tentative step. They're sticking with the big, diesel-powered trucks they love, but they're filling them up with a new-fangled fuel.
[Eddie Rogers]
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils or animal fats -- sometimes from used cooking oil retrieved from restaurants. Typically, it is blended into regular diesel fuel at concentrations up to 20%. It can't be used in the gasoline engines that power most U.S. cars and light trucks. But it can be used in diesel engines, which in the U.S. now power some Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz cars, a sizable chunk of heavy-duty pickups from Detroit, and the majority of commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers.
As rising oil prices are pushing up the cost of petroleum-based diesel, a new federal subsidy is reducing the price of biodiesel. The result: Biodiesel blends in some places sell for about the same price as regular diesel. As the U.S. mulls how to curb its oil use, biodiesel is emerging as a test of how regular Americans will respond when provided with an affordable energy alternative. Perhaps nowhere is the effect as striking as in the Lone Star State, the heart of the oil patch.
For the past few months, a Texas investor group that includes country singer Willie Nelson has been peddling to truck stops what it calls the nation's first branded biodiesel blend -- "BioWillie." On Sunday, Mr. Nelson touted his product in a concert at a truck stop an hour's drive south of Dallas called Carl's Corner. This week, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, which is based in Oklahoma City, plans to announce that it too will start selling BioWillie at a station south of Dallas.
"Now the rank-and-file, blue-collar, blue-jean-wearing dude is the one buying biodiesel," says Bobby Camp, an American Airlines mechanic who operates a station called DFW Biodiesel in Fort Worth. "It's all about saving a penny."
Biodiesel is said to be good for the American farmer, good for U.S. energy security, and, because studies show it's less polluting than conventional diesel, good for the environment. Auto makers advise against using biodiesel blends at concentrations above 5%, saying it could gum up a vehicle's engine and fuel system. But these days, a steady stream of pickup drivers are filling up their tanks with the 20% brew at the Fort Worth station, one of about 450 U.S. outlets currently offering biodiesel.
One recent morning, Brian Talley was among them. The 44-year-old truck driver was filling his 18-wheeler with 180 gallons of biodiesel before heading north to Oklahoma to pick up a load of tires. The 20% biodiesel blend there was selling for $2.26 a gallon, between three cents and 10 cents cheaper than conventional diesel at nearby stations. "Everybody wants to keep the environment clean," he said. But people who advocate a shift away from fossil fuel "would prefer we lived in caves, walked everywhere we went and ate grass. I'm sorry. I like to eat meat. I like cars. I like modern things. There's ways of fixing these problems without going to the extremes."
This fix isn't likely to significantly dent U.S. oil consumption anytime soon. An Energy Department study last year concluded the U.S. is producing enough oil from plants and animal fats to make 1.6 billion gallons of biodiesel annually -- only about 4% of the diesel fuel used on the nation's roads.
About 35 plants across the country make nothing but biodiesel. The process, more like winemaking than oil refining, typically occurs in vats. Vegetable oil or animal fat is dumped in, a chemical catalyst and an alcohol such as methanol is added, and the mixture is heated until a layer of glycerin forms. The glycerin is removed, and what's left is fuel.
Some biodiesel plants consist of not much more than a tank inside a rural shed. Last month, Cargill Inc., the big agricultural company, announced it plans to build a particularly big biodiesel plant. The facility, to be placed beside a Cargill soybean-processing plant in Iowa Falls, Iowa, is expected to turn out 37.5 million gallons of biodiesel annually -- more than the U.S. produced last year.
[Willie Nelson]
Biodiesel -- typically diluted in a 5% blend -- is common in Europe, which long has sought to augment its imported oil with domestic fuel. American biodiesel backers -- essentially the Midwest soybean lobby -- have been pushing for more than a decade for government help to energize a U.S. market.
Their first real victory came in 1998. A federal law requiring certain fleets, including the military, to buy some environmentally friendly vehicles was amended to give the fleets credit if they simply filled up their diesel vehicles with biodiesel blends. Last fall, Congress passed a law reducing the 24.4-cent-per-gallon federal excise tax on diesel fuel by one cent for every percentage point of farm-based biodiesel that was mixed in. (The credit for biodiesel made from reused oil: half a penny.) The cost of the 20% blend dropped by 20 cents a gallon.
At about that time, Peter Bell, a Dallas-area biodiesel distributor who is a partner with Mr. Camp in the Fort Worth station, got a message on his cellphone from Willie Nelson. "I didn't know who he was," recalled the 39-year-old Mr. Bell, who hails from South Africa.
Mr. Nelson asked for several hundred gallons of full-strength biodiesel to be delivered to two of his concert buses, which were parked at a hotel in Addison, Texas, just north of Dallas. By then, it had dawned on Mr. Bell who his customer was. "This guy is the perfect poster child for biodiesel," he said. "So, I went after him."
As for Mr. Nelson, he's a longtime supporter of U.S. farmers, and he figures they would benefit from a biodiesel boom. A couple of years ago, his wife heard about biodiesel and bought a diesel-powered VW Jetta, which she keeps at their house on Maui and runs on 100% biodiesel.
"I thought it was some kind of little toy," Mr. Nelson recalled last week, speaking by phone from his biodiesel-powered bus in Nashville, where he was preparing for a concert that night with Bob Dylan. But he soon joined the bandwagon. He bought himself a diesel-powered Mercedes, which he fills with biodiesel. And he told his bus drivers to fill up with biodiesel whenever possible.
By December, Messrs. Nelson and Bell had struck a deal with Carl Cornelius, the founder of Carl's Corner truck stop, to launch the BioWillie brand -- two additional investors have since signed on. In January, the tax break took effect, giving BioWillie a big shot in the arm from Uncle Sam. Mr. Nelson now touts biodiesel on a radio show he does for truckers on XM Satellite Radio.
Love's, the Oklahoma City chain, plans to announce this week that it will start selling BioWillie on July 22 alongside regular diesel at its truck stop in Midlothian, Texas, south of Dallas. "We have no idea how people are going to react to biodiesel," said Jenny Love Meyer, a company spokeswoman.
Love's might be surprised by the reaction. Johnny James, a 45-year-old union electrician, currently passes by the Love's truck stop near his house in Weatherford, Texas, west of Fort Worth, and drives out of his way to fill up his diesel-powered Ford F-350 pickup at the Fort Worth biodiesel station, not far from where he works. He doesn't consider himself a die-hard environmentalist, but he figures burning biodiesel in his pickup is a responsible step that doesn't require much sacrifice.
It will "help keep things on an even scale and support the American farmer," he said, standing by the biodiesel pump. "And I can burn it in my truck. Let's do it."
John F. |
Jtng
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 7:45 pm: | |
"The 20% biodiesel blend there was selling for $2.26 a
gallon, between three cents and 10 cents cheaper than
conventional diesel at nearby stations."
100gal is between $3 and $10 cheaper? wow. gasp. watta bargain. |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 8:13 pm: | |
As the U.S. mulls how to curb its oil use, biodiesel is emerging as a test of how regular Americans will respond when provided with an affordable energy alternative
Biodiesel is said to be good for the American farmer, good for U.S. energy security, and, because studies show it's less polluting than conventional diesel, good for the environment
He doesn't consider himself a die-hard environmentalist, but he figures burning biodiesel in his pickup is a responsible step that doesn't require much sacrifice
It will "help keep things on an even scale and support the American farmer," he said, standing by the biodiesel pump. "And I can burn it in my truck. Let's do it
SOMETIMES ITS NOT ABOUT THE BENJAMIN'S
Anything that will serve to bring control of global and domestic oil supply and prodution out of the hands of the politician's and foriegn governments, while keeping our armed forces out of harms way trying to secure it (where they can keep to only risking their lives ACTUALLY serving to protect our lives and liberties - the only legal responsibity of the armed forces), adding to the long term viability of the North American Farmer and providing an environmental benefit bonus - all the while not INCREASING the cost of fuel - is certanly worth persuing - No other benefits are needed IMHO -
Bring it on - Niles |
Jason Whitaker (Jeepme)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 8:24 pm: | |
People will burn $2.30/gal gas driving blocks out of their way to a Sams Club and idle in line for their turn to buy gas $.03 cheaper than the gas station on the corner. I imagine lots of people will be putting this in their $50,000 pickups.
The article says the manufacturers "advise" against any more than 5%. Anyone know if it will void a warranty? Doesn't take much to cause $$$$ damage to the new diesel pickups.
Of course my 1959 GMC doesn't care 
Jason |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 8:33 pm: | |
Hello Bio-Willie?
Word is that biodiesel blends have a propensity to increase NOx in the exhaust, which is a definite no-no for the 2007 emmision requirements for new diesel engines.
We're headed for ultra low sulphur diesel in order for the 2007 engines to comply.
Quite a write up, cover story, in July's print version of "Truck News", but I can't find it on their website.
anyone know anything technical?
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 8:48 pm: | |
BW - I share your query - Hopefully the mere fact that the increased availability of it will hasten 'real world' use and experience by a large number of people - can provide the truth of its benefits and pitfalls - I guess we'll just have to wait and see - Niles
P.S. I would think Willie could probably provide some HEMP oil for testing - LOL |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 8:59 pm: | |
Oh ... BTW - just because there is smoke pouring out the back of Willie's bus doesn't mean he has engine troubles - He's just burning organic fuel - IYKWIM |
Stan
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 9:17 pm: | |
I have read that bio diesel is more a political thing than petroleum. There is a large energy input in growing the crop to produce the fuel and the farmer receives support payments in order to make it competitive.
Does anyone have the hard facts on this or is just a rumour put out by big oil?
As Jason said, people will drive for blocks to save .03 per gallon. I don't think the general public cares where the fuel comes from or what it is made of. They will buy the cheapest. |
DMDave
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 9:34 pm: | |
You can only get it in Texas. www.wnbiodiesel.com I'd give it a try. I believe the web site addresses the new emission standards. |
Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 9:40 pm: | |
Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, Ontario Canada is test burning biodiesel in about 180 of the 1600 bus fleet at one of their garages.
Because our political masters told us to, optics, don't you know.
Costs more than diesel round here.
happy coaching!
buswarrior |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 9:48 pm: | |
Willie Nelson's Biodiesel nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of information, apparatus, or product.
Not the most comforting of disclaimers - FWIW |
John Feld (Deacon)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, July 05, 2005 - 10:31 pm: | |
Send some to two mongrel, he'll try it! |
Marc Bourget
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 06, 2005 - 10:54 am: | |
Buswarrior,
I've got a 1-1/2" binder full of BD info. As I understand it, NOx is a function of compression and the presence of molecular Nitrogen (N2) in the air, not the fuel used (save and except it's rate of burn as it effects combustion cylinder pressures).
If anything, properly produced biodiesel is less apt to add N2 to the combustion gases mix. |
gusc
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 06, 2005 - 8:33 pm: | |
You guys making fun of the few cents per gal difference are missing the point. I will drive a bit out of my way to patronize the lowest price fuel seller around simply to encourage him to keep his lower prices. Larger volume will enable him to keep selling it lower, too many fuel sellers all have the same price with no incentive to lower the price. Competition is best for us all. |
Jtng
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, July 06, 2005 - 8:36 pm: | |
Gusc-
Damned good point! Not many of us think of it like that. |
Stephen Fessenden (Sffess)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 07, 2005 - 8:58 pm: | |
How will the biodiesel do with sitting in the tank for a year between trips? Aging in the tank will be more important to us than to a transit company. |
Robert Harsell (Stonefly)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 4:59 pm: | |
I'm one of those who thinks that our present circmstances are dire. Maybe someday historians, if there are any, will comment on our predicament metaphorically: "Man, they were up the creek without a paddle." "Look at that! They were grabbing at every straw."
Robert |
Juluis Setzer
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 3:43 pm: | |
The reason the car companies tell you not to used BD over a 5% bend is because their told too,because the stock holders who own the controling stock of the car companies also own the controling stock of all the oil conpanies ,so when any of us buy BD we take money out of thier pockets. |
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