BIODIESEL USE AND EXPERIENCE AMONG STATE DOT AGENCIES

Abstract

A survey of United States state transportation agencies was conducted in an effort to gather performance, storage,and economic information with the use of biodiesel blended fuel. It was observed that a high level of interest in this alternativefuel exists among state transportation agencies. Soy Methyl Ester is the dominant feedstock used as the biodiesel component.A 20% biodiesel composition was the most common blend level, with 78% of the responses reporting this level for tests oruse. Blending procedures for biodiesel were not uniform or standardized. Cold weather behavior of biodiesel blended fuelwas not found to be a widespread problem among state transportation agencies. The two most common deterrents to adoptionwere additional cost of the blended fuel and questions about cold weather behavior of the fuel.