Bio-diesel backers bullish on increased gas mileage targets

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The bio-diesel industry is excited about the new gas mileage targets announced by the Obama administration. Joe Jobe, the president of the National Bio-diesel Board headquartered in Jefferson City, says new diesel powered cars are getting 40 miles per gallon and above, and diesel engines continue to improve in efficiency.

"Diesel technology is 30 to 50 percent more fuel efficient than using gasoline engines," said Jobe. "It's highly advanced, it's clean burning, it's more durable, it's more fuel efficient, there's more torque and horsepower."

The administration guidelines call for U.S. automobile fleets to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. Jobe thinks that could be a boon for his industry. Bio-diesel is currently refined using soybean and corn oil as well as waste cooking oil and animal fat. It's used as an additive in traditional diesel fuel, with an industry standard of a 20 percent fuel blend. Jobe says the industry is currently keeping up with demand, and can ramp up production with existing facilities.