Biodiesel: An Environmental Evaluation

This paper is an evaluation of biodiesel for use in the U.S. Coast Guard vessels. It includes environmental impact, regulatory and operational requirements, and any adversities of biodiesel if used in USCG fleet. The information gathered in this evaluation is mostly from the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Information Kit (Thessen) and from proceedings of a Biodiesel Educational Workshop (Jobe), provided by NBB. Information is also gathered from Biodiesel Internet (www.biodisel.org) where a number of biodiesel studies are listed. Information from the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) has also been used. Over 100 research papers in last 5-6 years have been published on various aspects of biodiesel. The interpretation of the information gathered is that of the authors in the best interest of the USCG fleet.