I am always amazed with the power of innovation and the numerous items we use everyday provided to us by animals. Amtrak is now test running a train, Heartland Flyer, powered by a biodiesel mixture of diesel fuel and beef tallow [fat]. This renewable fuel now tops the list of animal-based products available to us everyday. Beef Fuel gives a new meaning to FUEL FOR THE FINISH-the slogan of Team Beef.
Amtrak announced that it received a $274,000 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration in coordination with Oklahoma Department of Transportation and General Electric to test the new biodiesel. A University of Illinois Study, shows the animal-based biodiesel shows less pollution and lower emissions.
I am thankful everyday that animals give their lives to feed us and provide everyday essential items. This animal-based fuel is example of sparking the power of innovation to lessen our need of foreign oil with a cleaner burning emission. As result, Amtrak will be able to replace 35,000 gallons of diesel according to Roy Deitchman, Amtrak’s vice president of environmental, health and safety vice president.
Beef Tallow is derived from the fat of cattle. Traditional Cattle Fat, as illustrated in this graphic, is used in a variety items from chewing gum to cosmetics to insulation.
It is clear to see by the above illustration that animals provide us with items you use in your life everyday. As we learned from the Oprah Show, every part of the animal is used. In the last season of the show, Nicole Johnson-Hoffman, Cargill employee, without sugar-coating or rehearsed script guided Lisa Lang through a Cargill Packing Plant. As Nicole points out, “We never forget these are creatures of life..”, “we treat them with dignity. “
Today, the Heartland Flyer is the only engine running on Beef Fuel but time will only tell if this form of renewable fuel be an option for all diesel engines.
farmchiclogic 