Biodiesel vs. Ethanol

The May 3 editorial "The Greening of Montgomery" expressed a common misconception by saying: "One measure would switch the county's fleet of diesel cars to biofuels. Considering the impact ethanol has had on the environment and food prices, we urge Montgomery County to explore alternatives." Biodiesel is not ethanol. To make wise environmental decisions, we must be better educated about our choices.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from vegetable oils. According to Brian Fitzgerald, a green consultant in Chevy Chase, biodiesel has a significantly better ratio of energy input to energy output. The ratio of energy input to energy output in corn-based ethanol, he says, is 1:1.3; for virgin soy oil biodiesel, it is 1:3.5, giving biodiesel about a three times better return on energy investment than ethanol delivers. With the food vs. fuel debate helping to send commodity prices skyward, we must focus on the most efficient alternative energy sources available, Mr. Fitzgerald says, and biodiesel can provide immediate positive action within our community and be part of a long-term domestic solution .

My car runs on 100 percent biodiesel that is made locally from recycled waste restaurant oil. I applaud Montgomery's plan to run the county's fleet of diesel vehicles on this environmentally friendly fuel.

LYNNE TUCKER

Bethesda