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For fuel-grade biodiesel to be a legally registered fuel and fuel additive with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it must meet the strict industry specifications of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard prior to blending in order to insure proper and consistent performance. The specification for pure unblended biodiesel (B100) is ASTM D6751-03. This specification is intended to insure the quality of biodiesel to be used as a blend stock at 20% and lower blend levels. Before you fill up with biodiesel, make sure that biodiesel meets this specification and that the fuel supplier will warrant this fact.

ASTM International is a consensus based standards group comprised of engine and fuel injection equipment companies, fuel producers and fuel users whose standards are recognized in the United States by most government entities with the responsibility of insuring fuel quality.

It's Not Biodiesel Until it Meets ASTM D6751 Biodiesel that meets ASTM D 6751 and is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. All warrantees are based on the biodiesel being ASTM D6751 certified.
BQ-9000: The Seal of Approval BQ-9000 helps companies improve their fuel testing procedures and reduces the chances of producing or distributing out-of-spec fuel. The BQ-900 National Biodiesel Board (BNN) Accreditation Program is a cooperative and voluntary program developed by the biodiesel industry for the accreditation of producers and marketers of biodiesel fuel. The program is a combination of the ASTM standard for biodiesel, ASTM D 6751, and a quality systems program that includes storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution, and fuel management practices. The program includes accredited producers and certified distributors. The fuel supplied by either an accredited producer or a certified distributor meets all applicable standards for sale and use in the United States.

Just as with conventional fuels, testing each batch of biodiesel is the only way to ensure good quality. The simple tests that consumers may perform such as looking at clarity by filling a clear glass container and doing a visual inspection, cannot absolutely determine the quality of the fuel. Most fleets conduct extensive tests either in-house or by sending the fuel to independent testing laboratories for more specialized testing of fuel properties. Consumers save money on testing by purchasing biodiesel fuels through certified marketers.

Shelf Life
Like all fuels, biodiesel and biodiesel blends have a shelf life and should be used within one year to ensure that the quality of the fuel is maintained.

Texas State Pollution Reduction Incentives

A 2007 Texas legislative bill relating to air quality improvement programs, S. B. 12, includes the Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants Program, provides funds to projects that reduce emission of NOX from diesel vehicles. Another, the New Technology Research and Development Program, provides grants to research projects that find ways to reduce pollution in Texas. For more information, please refer to Government Financial Subsidies in the Texas Comptroller's 2008 energy report.

Additional Resources

Fuel Quality Enforcement Guidelines
The NBB developed the online Fuel Quality Enforcement Guide to provide guidance on actions for anyone who has concerns about the quality of their biodiesel fuel. Also see this NBB web page which offers additonal Fuel Quality Information.

Specification for Biodiesel (B100)
A National Biodiesel Board (NBB) fact sheet .

New Biodiesel Standard Allows Automaker Approval of 20% Blends June 2008
ASTM International, one of the largest standards development organizations in the world, has approved a new specification for diesel fuel blends containing 6%-20% biodiesel. According to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), ASTM standards for the 20% biodiesel blends, or B20, are a crucial hurdle for the full acceptance of the use of such blends in diesel vehicles. With the new specification in place, automakers and engine manufacturers can test B20 in their diesel engines and know that consumers will be fueling their vehicle with a fuel of the same quality. While setting the new B20 standard, ASTM International also made changes to its specifications for B5 and for 100% biodiesel, or B100.

Updated Labeling Requirements for Diesel Fuels wtih Renewable Fuel Blends June 2008
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to set labeling requirements that address the blending of biodiesel and other types of biomass-based diesel fuels into diesel fuel. Some companies are converting biomass such as animal fats directly into a liquid with the properties of diesel fuel, a product that blurs the lines between biodiesel and diesel fuel. At first, the FTC proposed to treat all renewable diesel fuels the same, but the NBB warned that not all biomass-based diesel fuels would necessarily meet the ASTM standards required by automakers for diesel fuels. On the other hand, biomass-based diesel fuels that meet ASTM standards could be used in much higher concentrations than biodiesel, which is usually limited to 20% biodiesel blends for standard diesel vehicles. Considering those comments, the FTC decided to set separate labeling requirements for biodiesel blends and biomass-based diesel fuel blends. See the final ruling.

Straight Vegetable Oil as a Diesel Fuel?
This is a fact sheet put out by the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program.

Guide to Buying Biodiesel
A National Biodiesel Board (NBB) document.

Biodiesel Cold Weather Guide for Consumers, Fleet Managers and Distributors
A National Biodiesel Board (NBB) document.

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