The role of the biodiesel industry is not to completely replace petroleum diesel, but to help create a balanced energy policy with the most environmental, economic and energy security benefits. Biodiesel is one of several alternative fuels designed to extend the usefulness of petroleum, and the longevity and cleanliness of diesel engines.

When the environmental, economic and social impacts of producing biodiesel are calculated, it is clear that not all biofuels are equal and not all biodiesel is sustainable. PBTx is committed to the sustainable, community-based biodiesel model, which maximizes the advantages of smaller scale plants and utilizes feedstock grown or collected locally.

Energy dependency is currently one of the major reasons for subsidizing biofuels in America. Biofuel produced from agricultural crops grown in the United States, along with increased consumption of biofuels, opens up new markets for American farm products, creates new jobs in rural communities and keeps money circulating throughout the domestic economy. Producing a percentage of our fuel at home reduces dependence on foreign oil and increases American energy independence.

One of the great advantages of biodiesel is that it can be used in existing engines, vehicles and infrastructure with practically no modifications.  Biodiesel can be pumped, stored and burned just like petroleum diesel fuel, and can be used pure or in blends with petroleum diesel fuel in any proportion.  Power and fuel economy using biodiesel is practically identical to petroleum diesel fuel, and year-round usage can be achieved by blending with diesel fuel. Biodiesel provides excellent lubricity to the fuel injection system. By blending biodiesel in amounts as little as 5%, the lubricity of ultra low sulfur diesel can be dramatically improved and the life of an engine’s fuel injection system extended. 

It's widely accepted that biodiesel is a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel has undergone the most rigorous testing of any alternative fuel and studies have shown it has significantly reduced emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons, and sulfates compared to petroleum diesel. Additionally, biodiesel reduces emissions of carcinogenic compounds by as much as 85% compared with petrodiesel.