Biodiesel gains alternative fuel status under DOE rule

U.S. (Oxy-Fuel News via NewsEdge Corporation) 5/25/2001 - Vehicle fleetscurrently required to purchase light duty alternative- fueled vehiclesunder the Energy Policy Act of 1992 will now be allowed to purchasebiodiesel fuel as an alternative, DOE has recently approved as a finalrule."Renewable and alternative fuels are a valuable commodity for oureconomy," said DOE Secretary Spencer Abraham. "The continued use ofbiomass products like biodiesel in our vehicle fleets for power generationand for other products and materials will help the environment and helpdiversify our energy resources." The Energy Conservation ReauthorizationAct amended the Energy Policy Act to allow fleets that are required topurchase alternative fueled vehicles to meet these requirements, in part,through the use of biodiesel fuel use credits.Under the new rule, fleets that are required to purchase an alternativefueled vehiclehave the option of purchasing and using 450 gallons of biodiesel invehicles in excess of 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight instead ofacquiring an alternative fueled vehicle.