[paulirwin]

The biodiesel.org site, which is run by the National Biodiesel Board (a biodiesel industry trade group), references [1] a 1998 study that shows biodiesel to have a 78 percent reduction in net CO2 emissions. So not carbon neutral, but significantly less net emissions. I'd be interested in seeing the results of a more up-to-date study.

However, that's the net reduction for B100, or 100% biodiesel. The more common and engine-friendly B20 blend at 20% biodiesel / 80% petroleum diesel would be a 15.6% net reduction in CO2.

[1]: http://biodiesel.org/what-is-biodiesel/biodiesel-faq's

[cantrip]

I don't think linking to a biodiesel lobbying group constitutes as evidence.

[wtallis]

The research in question was merely cited by the lobbying group. Specifically, they write:

> A 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the US Department of Energy and the US Department of Agriculture, concluded biodiesel reduces net CO² emissions by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel.

[paulirwin]

It appears this is the study cited: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/legosti/fy98/24772.pdf

[kevin_thibedeau]

Where are the people who funded those studies working today? Industry has a well established track record of planting shills and promising lucrative jobs to public officials who do their bidding.