Bio Willie

Though not lightly covered in the press, I thought I'd give a nod to Willie Nelson, who is lending his name and wizened visage to the biodiesel movement. While biodiesel is not an carbon-free complete solution to fossil fuels, it does offer many benefits including:

• much lower emissions (up to 75% for 100% biodiesel)
• energy security- biodiesel comes from domestically available feedstocks such as soy oil and recylced fryer grease
• higher engine lubricity

While biodiesel may be subject to some of the criticism of ethanol, its benefits are real. And while it can't replace petrol, it can be part of a multi-faceted solution.

So, I fully approve of Willie's efforts in marketing the stuff. Neil Young (the best Neil Young fan site is Hyperrust) is also a big advocate of biodiesel, especially since it helps to support the U.S. farm economy, which Neil has long supported (along with Willie and others) through Farm Aid.