I'll laugh if they build this and won't build any other refineries, and no matter what they call the stuff, it is essentially a refiniery they will be constructing. (Nothing against biodiesel)
If the subsidy is big enough, hell, I'll do it too !!!!!
First question:
If we subsidize you with 5 gallons of fuel to create 4, will you do it?
This is the way things should be done. Individual farmers can easily make biodiesel out of vegetable oil, but it's much more efficient to make it in a cooperative.
Biodiesel is a great idea, it's just too bad it's mainly associated with hippie tree-huggers. Besides, put a bit of lye and methanol into some veggie oil and you get back glycerine, good for making soap, blowing stuff up (especially yourself if you're stupid enough to try to make nitroglycerine) and a bunch of other things. The cooperative can make some extra money selling off the glycerine.
Biodiesel. 20 to 30 cent @ gallon extra. Freight companies will not make the switch in the name of conservation alone. Their competitors will gladly maintain their freight rates and surcharges while using low sulfur diesel.
First, the references to "Biodiesel" always infer that it's a TOTAL replacement for petroleum-based fuel.
Pulled this quote from http://www.biodiesel.org/
"..........Most major engine companies have stated formally that the use of blends up to B20 will not void their parts and workmanship warranties. This includes blends below 20% biodiesel, such as the 2% biodiesel blends that are becoming more common."
The last time I looked, there were TWO suppliers within a six-hour drive of my home where I could get the 2% "biodiesel" (at a fashionably increased cost per gallon).
This is supposed to be an immediate, economically viable substitute for petroleum-based diesel?
I'll try my PowerStroke out on wishful thinking like this for a while, if you promise to come get me with a tow truck.