Originally published on ecogeek, written by Hank Green, reblogged by Cluster

This could end up being quite a hit to the bio-diesel industry. Scientists at the Wood’s Hole Oceanographic institute tested the bio-diesel mixes flowing from pumps all over the nation and found that they were not what they said they were.
Only 10% of pumps actually delivered the mixtures advertised. Most biodiesel pumps advertise B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel, 80% regular diesel. This mix allows a wider range of trucks to use the fuel, and stretches the supply of biodiesel.

Unfortunately, in the fuels tested, the actual amount of biodiesel in the fuel ranged widely from 10% to almost 75%. And while the 10% is discouraging, because the environmental gains are decreased, the 75% is what’s really scary. Cars and trucks that haven’t been converted to run on higher concentrations of biodiesel can be damaged by concentrations that high.

This damage, and concerns from the trucking industry, are actually why the study was done in the first place. Now here’s the real bad news. This lax regulation by the biodiesel industry is threatening its largest contracts, including a gigantic deal with the Department of Defense.

Looks like the honeymoon is over…it’s time for some real regulations on the biodiesel industry.

Via WBCSD