Biofuels 101

California - and the nation - stand to reap the environmental, economic and security benefits of biofuels; and now is the time to invest in developing them. Sustainable Conservation is contributing to this effort in several areas.

BIODIESEL

Did you know? Biodiesel blended with petroleum-based diesel can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide - a chief greenhouse gas - by up to 80%. It's also non-toxic and completely biodegradable.

Source: Soybean, sunflower, safflower and canola oil - as well as used cooking grease

Replaces: Diesel

Use: Powers cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles

BIOMETHANE & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Did you know? Harnessing the methane from approximately 20% of California's cows could power all of the existing fleets of natural-gas-powered vehicles in the state.

Source: Primarily cow manure but also plant matter and landfill waste

Replaces: Biomethane replaces compressed natural gas or diesel. Renewable electricity replaces electricity generated from natural gas, coal, hydropower and nuclear power.

ETHANOL

Did you know? California is the leading consumer of ethanol in the U.S., using over 900 million gallons annually. But, we don't grow any crops to produce this renewable fuel.

Source: Corn, sugar beets, sorghum and other crops

Replaces: Gasoline

Use: Powers cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles

Quick Facts about Biofuels

  • Biodiesel blended with petroleum-based diesel can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide — a chief greenhouse gas — by up to 80%.
  • Methane digesters on California dairies are helping generate about $1.6 million in electricity and diverting more than 400,000 tons of manure from 36,000 cows.
  • California's 1.7 million dairy cows produce 18 billion cubic feet of methane a year, equivalent to over 150 million gallons of gasoline.
  • Harnessing the methane from about 20% of California's cows could produce enough biomethane to power all of the existing natural-gas-powered vehicles in the state.
  • Converting cow manure to biomethane gas or electricity reduces the amount of methane released into the atmosphere — a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
  • California is the leading consumer of ethanol in the United States, using more than 900 million gallons annually, yet the state does not grow any crops to produce this renewable fuel.
  • Currently 7% of the U.S. corn crop is being grown for fuel.
  • The price of gasoline has risen about 75% since 2000, and experts are predicting higher prices to come as China, India and other nations need more oil to fuel their energy-intensive growth.
  • Sustainable Conservation received the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004.