When Willie Nelson first sung about getting “On the Road Again,” he probably had no idea he’d one day be selling his own brand of fuel. Now, however, he has brought together his longtime concern for American farmers with his interest in helping the environment and has introduced “BioWillie” bio-diesel. Made from vegetable oil or animal fats, bio-diesel significantly reduces its impact by cutting both carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions. And not only is it easier to handle than traditional fuel, but so too is it safer — a lighted match thrown into a bucket of bio-diesel will not catch fire.

An additional advantage of bio-diesel is that it can be used in the same fuel tanks and containers as those designed for traditional diesel — without compromised performance. Other alternate fuels often face a roadblock because their use requires vehicle or storage modifications, but not so with bio-diesel. Plus, in the place of standard-issue exhaust fumes, bio-diesel emits a smell that has been generously compared to that of french fries or doughnuts.

BioWillie sells its fuel nationwide but currently has outlets in only six states: California, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Nelson’s advocacy has greatly increased awareness of the issue, however, and economies of scale will hopefully enable bio-diesel to soon be a comparably (or more cheaply) priced alternative fuel. That it can enable the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil while helping the atmosphere and revitalizing the farm economy is a most valiant calling for the humble soybean.

For more information: www.wnbiodiesel.com