University of Idaho gets $960,000 biodiesel fuel grant

The University of Idaho received a $960,000 federal grant to promote use of biodiesel.

The Times-News Online

The university and the National Biodiesel Board will use the money to develop a program to entice government and businesses to fuel vehicle fleets with biodiesel.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Department officials say burning biodiesel rather than petroleum-based fuel cuts down on air pollution and gives farmers another viable crop to grow.

Biodiesel is gaining popularity as a clean-burning alternative fuel. It is derived from oilseed crops such as those grown to make canola or mustard.

Biodiesel can also be refined from animal fats and cooking grease. There are proposals to build biodiesel plants in the Spokane, Wash., area and on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation east of Lewiston

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