Source: Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (public domain)īurning biofuels results in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2), a greenhouse gas. Gasoline requires extra processing to reduce evaporative emissions before blending with ethanol.Įthanol production facility in South Bend, Indiana These evaporative emissions contribute to the formation of harmful, ground-level ozone and smog. Biodiesel combustion may result in slightly higher amounts of nitrogen oxides relative to petroleum diesel.Įthanol and ethanol-gasoline mixtures burn cleaner and have higher octane levels than gasoline that does not contain ethanol, but they also have higher evaporative emissions from fuel tanks and dispensing equipment. Biofuel-petroleum blends also generally result in lower emissions relative to fuels that do not contain biofuels. When burned, pure biofuels generally produce fewer emissions of particulates, sulfur dioxide, and air toxics than their fossil-fuel derived counterparts. Similar to petroleum fuels, biofuels are flammable (especially ethanol) and must be transported carefully. However, fuel ethanol contains denaturants to make fuel ethanol undrinkable.
Pure ethanol and biodiesel are nontoxic and biodegradable, and if spilled, they break down into harmless substances. While biofuels have environmental benefits, their production and use do have effects on the environment. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), define the types of biofuels and processes or low-carbon pathways by which biofuels can be produced in order for them to qualify for use under the programs. Government programs that promote and/or require biofuels use, such as the U.S. There are also potential national economic and security benefits when biofuel use reduces the need to import petroleum fuels. government to have fewer or lower negative effects on the environment compared to fossil-fuel derived fuels. Production and use of biofuels is considered by the U.S. Biofuels may have fewer effects on the enviroment than fossil fuels
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