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.

According to a BusinessWeek article, Honda is releasing their Honda FCX Clarity to beta testers in Los Angeles as early as 2009. The Clarity is a slick-looking hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle already being tested by major auto magazines. The cost? A lease will run drivers $600 a month.

I just can’t get excited for the prospects of this vehicle just yet. America’s favorite sport, like it or not, is Nascar. We get larger cars than we could possible could because they’re large, and faster cars than we need because they are fast. Cars are ingrained in the American culture. Would people spend more on a car with 136 horsepower than they would on a fully loaded BMW 328, an ultra low emissions vehicle? Wouldn’t that money be better spent just getting a home closer to work?

What would I do if I were a Honda executive? Pick an assortment of technology leaders, non-profits, journalists, scientists, and plain regular folks, and just give them the cars to try out. Ask for their feedback on how to make it faster, cheaper, and more practical. And then tell us all about it. Show the car from all aspects, good and bad, to the people who will hopefully buy it one day. Make it ours. A $600 lease means it will just go to the Leonardo DiCaprios or Ed Begley Jrs. of the world, and they are going to like anything that’s green. That includes cars that aren’t affordable or marketable. In the long run, that’s just stupid. Being green shouldn’t be seen as a holier-than-thou status symbol or a pie-in-the-sky ideal. Being green means we can finally remove the elephant from the room, which is Exxon’s 40 billion dollar per year profits at the expense of the American people.

Inspired by Ed Schipul’s honest post on the economy. Although the economy is bleak, acknowledging our options is the first step.

Cool Related Links:
The Audi A8 diesel drove from London to Edinburgh and back on one tank of gas.
The X Prize Foundation is giving $10 million to the fastest production-ready car getting over 100 MPG.