Biodiesel, a renewable fuel substitute for petroleum diesel, is made from waste grease and oilseed crops like canola (see photo). You can use biodiesel in home heating oil tanks, diesel cars, school buses and other fleets, construction and farm equipment, and marine engines.

Ethanol, a renewable fuel substitute for gasoline, is currently made primarily from corn, but soon will be made from cellulosic feedstocks like waste agricultural and forestry residues. At blends of about 10%, it can be used in any gasoline car; "flex-fuel" vehicles can burn higher blends.

If you're interested in filling up your car or truck with biodiesel or ethanol, check out our user's guide to biofuels and the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Locator.

If you run a business, click here for information on using biodiesel in your fleet.

OEC's October 2007 report, Fueling Oregon with Sustainable Biofuels, details how Oregon can maximize the environmental positives of biofuels, while minimizing any negative consequences. Also see our environmental impacts of biofuels webpage.

Learn more about the economic benefits of producing biofuels in Oregon and incentives for biofuels production.

Watch former Oregon Environmental Council program director Kevin Considine speak about biodiesel and ethanol in this “Future Fuel” series produced by SyndiKast.

Oregon Biofuels Network Listserv

The Oregon Biofuels Network listserv serves as a clearinghouse of information on biofuels-related topics as they pertain to our state. Listserv members share news about biofuels-related events in Oregon and opportunities to influence biofuels-related policy. It's also a place to ask questions and share insights about biofuels-related topics. The current moderator is OEC Director of Programs Chris Hagerbaumer. Chris can be reached at 503-222-1963 x102 or chris h at oeconline.org.

To join the Oregon Biofuels Network listserv, please enter your email in the field below.