11/29/06

Do you know what the process is to make biodiesel from the oil of a mustard seed, or what ingredients go into making the alternative fuel? You'll get answer from University of Idaho educators who have partnered with the Harvesting Clean Energy Conference in Boise for a one-day workshop on January 31st. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from renewable resources like canola, rapeseed, soy or mustard oil. U of I professor and researcher Jon Van Gerpin says biodiesel won't replace all diesel fuels. VAN GERPIN "It will play a small role initially. We think that replacing something like three to five percent of the current petroleum based diesel fuel usage is a realistic goal." Van Gerpin says with the American thirst for petroleum the time has come for alternative fuels like biodiesel and ethanol. VAN GERPIN "We can't afford to turn up our noses at any of the options that are out there. In order to find an alternative to cure this addiction that we have to petroleum based fuels we're going to have to use every option that we've got." You can get more information and register on-line for the January 28 to 31st conference or the biodiesel workshop at www.harvestcleanenergy.org/conference. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott