What are the economic impacts of biodiesel sales?

In Indiana in 2002, 4.9 million gallons per day of diesel fuel were consumed which ranked 7th in the US.
2% = 98,000 gallons

In Illinois in 2002, 4.6 million gallons per day of diesel fuel were consumed which ranked 10th in the US.
2% = 92,000 gallons

In 2004, there was 62 billion gallons of diesel fuel sold total in the US. If we replace 2% of that with biodiesel, that is 1.25 billion gallons

On-road diesel use in 2004 was 37 billion gallons.
2% = 740 million gallons

Agricultural diesel use in 2004 was 3.5 billion gallons.
2% = 70 million gallons

This demonstrates the suitable potential demand for the product. If we went to a 2% blend of product through each scenario.

Other Economic Benefits

(According to the National Biodiesel Board)

Increased utilization of renewable biofuels results in significant microeconomic benefits to both the urban and rural sectors, and the balance of trade. A study completed in 2001 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that an average annual increase of the equivalent of 200 million gallons of soy-based biodiesel demand would boost total crop cash receipts by $5.2 billion cumulatively by 2010, resulting in an average net farm income increase of $300 million per year. The price for a bushel of soybeans would increase by an average of 17 cents annually during the ten-year period.

In addition to being a domestically produced, renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines, biodiesel has positive performance attributes such as increased cetane, high fuel lubricity, and high oxygen content, which may make it a preferred blending stock with future ultra-clean diesel.

Other Interesting Notes

It can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend and used in diesel engines with little or no modifications with the same payload capacity and range of traditional diesel.

With the lower sulfur emissions standards going into affect in 2007, Biodiesel fuel is the lowest cost alternative fuel available.

Because use of Biodiesel does not require major engine modifications, operators keep their fleets, spare parts inventories, refueling stations and skilled mechanics. Only the air quality changes!

Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to the growth of our own economy.