Renewable fuels

Biodiesel is a non-toxic, renewable fuel that can be used in diesel engines. The fuel is made from vegetable oil and creates less pollution than fossil fuels. But as Maine Public Radio’s Charlotte Renner reports, it might take some tax breaks, or other incentives, before biodiesel finds a broad audience.

Washington has touted the increased use of biofuels, such as ethanol, as a way to reduce carbon emissions, but a study published today suggesting boosting the use of biofuels also poses some environmental hazards, as The World’s Jason Margolis explains.

Some agriculture experts say demand for ethanol is to blame for the global crisis in food prices. They want Congress to back away from aggressive targets. But Living on Earth’s Jeff Young finds little appetite for that on Capitol Hill.