I used to work for BMW and did quite a bit of reading on biodiesel. After researching, it is definitely something we need to support. Diesel technology is used all over the world and I am clueless as to why we don’t see more diesel vehicles on the road in the U.S. It’s a very simple, sustainable technology. Biodiesel blends will help clean the air, create jobs, and can also get you 800 miles to one tank of gas. How crazy is that?

I read in the DieselGreen Fuels blog that biodiesel subsidies will run out in 2009 unless they are renewed. Investments in alternative fuel sources are directly correlated with government subsidies and regulation. With investment, biodiesel will only get more efficient and affordable, and the people of Texas have a vested interest in its survival. I wrote this letter to John Cornyn’s staff today:

To John Cornyn and his staff,

I am a writer for the Science Channel, and I am asking that Senator Cornyn support biodiesel subsidies for economic stimulus.

Here are some of many reasons why this is good for Texas and for our nation:

1.) Biodiesel actually generates more jobs than traditional gasoline. Gasoline merely requires someone to get the oil out of the ground, someone to transport it, and someone to refine it and get it to stations. It is not something that is produced. The lack of jobs it creates explains why fuel rich nations such as Venezuela and Saudi Arabia have so much money, but an inequity of wealth.

Biodiesel is still in its infancy, and creating the most efficient biodiesel fuel will generate jobs in farming and science sectors. These are jobs that should be in Texas.

2.) Biodiesel is a cleaner burning fuel than traditional diesel as it does not contribute as much nitrogen dioxide to the atmosphere. Every transport truck uses diesel. Traditional diesel emits nitrogen dioxide into the air, causing smog and respiratory problems. Using biodiesel would reduce cases of cancer and asthma and would improve our quality of life.

This may go without saying, but sick people don’t work.

3.) Unlike electric cars, diesel engines have been around for over a century and are sustainable. Some of the first engines ran on peanut oil. The technology is very simple–diesel fuel generates a large explosion which generates a lot of torque. The car or truck is merely coasting off of this large generation of torque. This explains why they are much more fuel efficient than traditional gasoline engines. To demonstrate the efficiency of these engines, Jeremy Clarkson of the world famous auto show “Top Gear” drove an Audi A8 diesel, a large car, from London to Edinburgh and back on one tank of gas. This is over 800 miles.

When people aren’t spending money on gas, they are spending it on other goods and services. Exxon made record profits yet again this quarter, and it’s time we make sure the American public has a little extra money of their own too.

4.) Biodiesel is sustainable because we don’t have to worry about the repercussions of using it. Where will we put electric vehicle batteries? How much will it cost to service these vehicles? Diesel vehicles are incredibly reliable because the technology is simple and has been used for decades. Diesel vehicles are expensive only because the people who drive them love them so much and are willing to pay the difference. I used to work for BMW, and we never had a lack of buyers for any diesel vehicle we received on trade.

From Europe to South America, diesel is used all over the world. I have no clue on Earth why Americans know so little about its virtues. As we speak, there are biodiesel plants in North Carolina exporting biodiesel to Germany. This is ridiculous. Biodiesel is a step towards energy independence and a cleaner America. Using it would mean less scuffles with OPEC and volitile Middle Eastern nations. It would generate domestic jobs and keep our air clean. I implore you for the protection of our nation, protect and increase biodiesel subsidies.

I encourage you to read facts about biodiesel. Here are some starting points:
http://dieselgreenfuels.com/blog/
http://www.biofuels.coop/category/energy/
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/biodiesel.htm
http://www.biodiesel.com/index.php/biodiesel/frequently_asked_questions_about_biodiesel/
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/machine/ae1240w.htm

If you are convinced that biodiesel is a good thing for our nation, consider writing John Cornyn so that he will include this funding in this bill.