Biofuels Project Overview
Given high energy prices, ongoing reliance on oil and the mounting evidence of global warming, Sustainable Conservation is playing an important role in developing biofuels. The organization is leading public-private sector collaborations that find and implement practical solutions to a wide range of challenges involved in expanding the biofuels market.
Biofuels are derived from plants, cow manure and other organic materials and are entirely renewable. They can be used in place of diesel, gasoline or natural gas in cars, buses, trucks and machinery — requiring little or no engine modifications. They have the potential to meet 10% to 20% of California's vehicle fuel needs over the next 20 years, if the necessary policies and investments are put in place.
Compared with petroleum-based fuels, biofuels:
- Pollute less
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Can be made locally
- Cost about the same to produce
Click here to learn more about the environmental, economic and security benefits of biofuels.
Biofuels include:
- Biodiesel — from vegetable oils or animal fats; substitutes for diesel
- Biomethane — from dairy manure or organic waste; substitutes for natural gas
- Ethanol — from corn or other crops; substitutes for (or is blended with) gasoline
Making Biofuels a Reality in California
Sustainable Conservation is working with a wide range of partners to advance the development of biofuels by demonstrating that:
- Biodiesel crops can be grown and processed in California, supporting jobs and economic growth in the state's rural areas.
- Fuel additives can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions (a precursor to smog) from current biodiesel formulations and meet California strict air quality standards.
- Biomethane can be produced cost-effectively from dairy manure to fuel cars and other vehicles.
- Ethanol may be produced sustainably in California from crops such as sugar beets.
Sustainable Conservation's work on biofuels has been featured on National Public Radio and in the Fresno Bee, as well as other media. In 2004, the organization received the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger — the state's highest environmental honor.
Sustainable Conservation's partners on biofuels projects include: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Western United Dairymen, U.S. Department of Agriculture and local farmers.
