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June 2004
New tool to help officials set biodiesel policies
Policymakers are showing growing interest in the use of biodiesel fuels, but it is unclear how much biodiesel usage is feasible, whether it is too costly, or if some uses are more suitable than others. Doug Tiffany, a research fellow in the Department of Applied Economics, is investigating current usage patterns of diesel and fuel oil in Minnesota and developing a tool that policymakers can use to aid in their decisions.
In a concurrent session, Tiffany reviewed the chemistry of biodiesel, its benefits, and its costs and limitations. As part of his research, Tiffany will suggest suitable uses where biodiesel could lead to favorable emission reductions near population centers. One such application could be in transit and school buses to reduce the emissions of particulates and volatile organic compounds that seep into buildings and persist along streets.
The new tool he is developing is intended for state policymakers, city officials, and private fuel distributors. Paired with data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the tool could also be used to develop mitigation plans if that becomes necessary based on federal control of local air-quality standards.
Could biodiesel make Minnesota energy-independent and solve all our serious pollution concerns? Unfortunately, no, Tiffany said, because there is simply not enough feedstock to replace substantial amounts of petrodiesel. If all the soybeans in Minnesota were crushed for biodiesel fuel, we could replace 50 percent of the diesel used in the state.
For more coverage of Tiffany's research, read the March 2004 CTS Research E-News.