The high cost of fuel is forcing some Michigan fairs to change the way they do things. About 60 county fairs, carnivals and hometown festivals in the state will be powered by biodiesel this summer. Michigan-based amusement companies are searching for solutions for high diesel prices. Biodiesel is made with different percentages of diesel fuel and extracted soybean oil or sometimes animal fats and other vegetables oils. Most users use B20 - a mix of 20 percent soybean oil and 80 percent diesel. Advocates say the fuel smells better, eliminates the black smoke escaping from vehicles and cleans and lubricates engines to help them last longer. It also lowers emissions making the air safer to breathe than with diesel. In Michigan, three plants are being built in Milan, Bangor and Gladstone. There isn't a huge cost savings compared to diesel right now, but users hope switching to biodiesel will save them money if diesel prices keep rising. Some diesel users have concerns about availability. Also, while the B20 fuel gets comparable mileage results to diesel, the B100 gets less and performs poorly in cold weather. Biodiesel prices are comparable to on-road diesel. Michigan-based RKA Petroleum Companies Inc. on June 9 was selling biodiesel for $2.7995 and on-road diesel for $2.7984.
Associated Press
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