Deseret News | Weary of gas prices, drivers turning to illegal veggie oil

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Weary of gas prices, drivers turning to illegal veggie oil

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Does he read? | 1:13 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

The US gets zero (0) oil from Iraq which people do not understand and in fact, the war had nothing to do with oil. Most of the oil in Iraq is produced from the northern Kurdish region and Israel controls the rights to that oil and the US sees none of the revenue. Most of the profit from the production of oil in Iraq goes to Israel who in turns pipes it into Turkey who purchases the majority of Iraqi oil. This is the fact if you research this in the Dept of Commerce.

Not worth it | 1:19 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

At $1300 or more for the conversion kit, plus the risk that the EPA will come after me, and then the tax commission will be next - That adds up to probably $100 per gallon. I'd rather pay the $4 a gallon and not have to run the greater risk or operate a refinery in my garage. The answer is to build more refineries and drill more for domestic oil. OPEC could double production tomorrow, but we don't have capacity to refine the crude. Long-term, we need to become more independent by drilling for our own oil, but we still need to have refinery capacity for that. We have gas vehicles at PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicles - Ford, Honda, etc.). They run on gas and are probably as clean as the french fry burning diesels, maybe more.

SRS | 1:27 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

As always the Government will get in the way of a good thing! If the Founding Fathers were here today we would have another "Tea Party". It's criminal.

Comments continue below

Bob G | 5:30 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

It would seems to me that government would encourage the use of this waste oil to a useable product to use in personal vehicles. Using is as animal feed seems a waste of oil that can be used to operate vehicles or even emergency generators would have priority use. It's called free enterprise if a person finds a use for products or its developement. I would rather see this waste oil used as fuel for vehicles than being put in to our food chain. The feed produced from this waste oil is probably more hazardous than any emissions from burning it. The Utah health department is out of line crossing territories they know nothing about. This waste oil has many uses and one ruling cannot cover all aspects of a waste product. Waste cooking oil should be defined as fuel, not animal feed or a biohazard. As for the EPA saying they do any testing is bunk. They are a rubber stamp organization just like the FDA. If an individual wants to make and use his own fuels that is his right. If a vehicle passes established emissions tests than that should be sufficient for use.

Oil freedom | 6:22 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Nancy Petroski will give all of us an electric car.
Read her new book- 5,000 people have.

The car only cost 400 dollars.

The 600 mile electric drop cord costs $12,000 dollars,
you have to buy the drop cord.

Wallyworld | 6:32 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

The Government seems to always want to tax us on everyhting so they can buy a $1,000 screwdriver.

Come on, now... | 7:05 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Why doesn't anyone realize that using a food source to fuel our cars will NOT have good results in the end? It will drive up the cost of food even more. The farmers will find it more profitable to grow fuel than food, and then we'll have a food shortage and higher prices.

Cosmo | 7:19 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Government=Blood Sucking Vampires.

lost in DC | 7:31 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

One thing you forgot, Oil Freedom, queen nancy owns the company with the exclusive rights to import from China and sell the 600 mile drop cords.

Nichol Draper | 7:51 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Well Orin Hatch, change the law. There is no reason that we shouldn't encourage refining waste vegetable oil into usable fuel. For "Come on, now" after its been used once, I wouldn't want to eat it. This is the best use, its a lot better than just dumping waste vegetable oil. I understand the reason for having laws for refineries, but limiting individuals from solving our global problems is not good. I expect that one of these tinkerers will learn how to refine better that the big industrial sites. Knowledge is only good if it is shared and applied. Limited to the hands of a few, knowledge turns into tyranny.

thorsoni | 8:14 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Hand crafted fuel? Sounds like a modern day white lightening still. And a fun hobby. The best of which tend to be viewed negatively by law enforcement. A big part of what make it worthwhile. Ya reckon?

Joe | 8:18 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Liberals, i.e. environmentally conscious people are more than likely the people who embrace biodiesel. You are the same people who in the past have promoted all manner of regulation including the Clean Air act, highly regulating "chemical wastes," and the chemical and refining industry in general.

Now, the chickens have come home to roost. That same government that protected you from those evil oil and chemical companies now wants to treat you as an evil oil company.

Now, you have to have your product meet the same requirements as petroleum fuels, the disposal of wastes you produce you will find to be regulated, and of course the tax man wants his due.

The processes employed in making your product will eventually not be permitted to be conducted in a residential area because of zoning laws, chemical storage requirements, etc.

It simply doesn't matter if the product you produce has environmental and cost benefits, the large regulatory government that you have helped to foster and encourage now views you for what you really are;

An up and coming capitalist who is putting the environment at risk!

"May you live in interesting times, and attract the attention of important people"

Bottom line | 8:22 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

The government would be okay with the man if he would send them the 55 cents per gallon that is so important to them.

Anonymous | 8:53 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Our government has repeatedly favored the oil industries. How long do we want to let them?

R. O. S. | 9:58 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Using vegetable oil in a diesel engine is a great idea if you are using an engine friendly fuel. Even if your waste vegetable oil (WVO) appears pure it needs to be tested to be quemically safe to pump and injector components. It also releases a glycerin molecule that can be toxic. Correctly made biodiesel is safe for the motor and the enviroment. Biodiesel made of off colored oil and WVO doesn't augment food prices or take from food supplies. It is much more wallet friendly than importing food stocks in my opinion. We live in a country that has fences to keep people out, not one that fences it's subjects in. I believe the founding fathers would be proud of us if we paid all honest taxes but disappointed if we paid one penny more. Something pays for our nice roads. A good book is Biodiesel basics and beyond by William H. Kemp

MetricWrench | 10:24 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

I get so angry at all of the campaign ads that talk about a candidate that can help the little guy. The little guy doesn't need help! He only needs the government to GET OUT OF THE WAY so that he can help himself! This nonsense from the EPA is stifling the individual attempts of people to take care of themselves. There is much the same problem if you was to convert to CNG. The term PZEV, as referred to earlier, is something of a misnomer. It has nothing to do with tailpipe emissions and more to do with sequestration of evaporative hydrocarbons associated with refueling. Biodiesel is cleaner at the tailpipe and and so is CNG but government stands in the way of letting us convert.

liberal Larry | 10:34 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

As expected, this article brings out all the "Jed Clampett" types who think that brewing up a batch of biodiesel in the garage is a good idea. Unfortunately, now that Utah has become more urbanized, we have to subscribe to a little higher environmental standards than Jehthro and the boys had down on the farm.

Calling Institute for Justice | 10:38 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Users of these alternative fuels should contact the Institute for Justice to challenge these Big Oil-inspired regulations.

wrz | 10:38 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Not worth it | 1:19 a.m. - "OPEC could double production tomorrow..."

OPEC has threatened to reduce production when they meet next month.

It's like we said over and over. OPEC controls oil production and thus prices.

Drill here, drill now, and toss Pelosi and her no-brain Demos out.

CITIZEN | 11:17 a.m. Aug. 17, 2008

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING,BIG BROTHER WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING!!!!!!

John | 12:25 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

To wrz:

How does drill here drill now solve anything? The world's oil supply is finite. There is only so much to go around. You use more now you effectively leave your children with a planet half-destroyed and void of a valuable energy source. How irresponsible. I guess your type figures that you've left them a nice national debt in the meantime to finance a waste of time war, so you'll just call it even.

To those of us who do care about the future of our children and their children, alternative fuel sources and conservation are more important than an oil derrick in every backyard. Think I'm kidding about the oil derricks? Go live a few weeks in Bakersfield, CA, where I hail from. It's not a pretty sight.

Drill her drill now is clearly not the answer.

Judy | 12:59 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

When are you people going to wake up and realize the congressional leadership takes care of themselves and does not give a rats tail whether this country solves it,s energy problems. Unless we vote everybody out in one election to shake their very foundation of their power. The congress will never give the American people their country back as it was founded.Rmemeber this " We THe People"Now vote the bums out!

Anonymous | 2:51 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Anonymous: "Our government has repeatedly favored the oil industries."

Let's see.
1. We tax the heck out of oil companies
2. We forbid them to drill new wells
3. We forbid them to explore
4. We forbid them to develop oil sands
5. We forbid them to develop oil shale
6. We force them to get into bed with thugs and pirates in the middle east.

Anonymous, your reasoning that government favors oil companies makes no sense at all.

Oh My Heck! | 2:53 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

It is NOT illegal to convert vegetable oil into diesel fuel as the article claims. Why does the Deseret News propagate this nonsense? Does it not have fact checkers?

Biodiesel is used all over the US. Google is your friend.

Duh | 2:58 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

I laugh so hard at the "drill here, drill now" cry! Drilling won't do a thing to the price of oil and gas. Hate to burst your bubble, but just because the oil companies drill here has no bearing on where that oil will go. US oil compnaies routinely sell North American oil on the world market. They sell where ever the price is highest. Basic economics.

To John | 3:17 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Starving 3rd world nations for energy in a car instead of energy in their stomachs is worth
" Drill here-Drill now!" There is still hundreds of years worth of energy left in shale oil and other alternatives. Feeding the hungry is worth the clean drilling we have now and can immediately go after. Drill in Anwar! It's an iceberg that will melt every spring.

Bryan in VA | 3:21 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Stop spouting the main stream liberal media line. There is no man-made global warming. Temperatures had receded since the peak in 1998. Do your research!!

I make more sense than you | 4:08 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Are we so far removed from agriculture to realize that we need petroleum to produce food? Simply put, if the price of the fuel that the farmer uses to produce his crop is higher, then that price will be passed along to you.
The only way to get OPEC to listen to us is to supply more of our own oil. Supply and demand have always worked and they always will.

arc | 4:14 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Duh,
wrong. Drilling does make a difference.

That being said, if converting the veggie oil is against the law, we need it changed.

Re to John 3:17 pm | 4:24 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

OK, so fine. People are starving. So why drill more to help the cause? Why don't you drive less and they can donate your excess to help the cause? Let your house be 1 degree colder in the winter? Seriously.

So there is hundreds of years of energy left. So what? Mother Earth has been peopled for nearly four thousand years. Are you expecting Armageddon within the next few hundred years? Fact is, we will run out one day. Why not do all we can to delay that by being responsible stewards of the oil supply in our time?

As far as oil shale and oil sands go, those processes waste more energy then they produce. The water waste in shale production is horrendous. The damage to Canada's oil sands after extraction is irreparable and requires the like of EnergySolutions to come in, clean it up, and bury the remains in Tooele. Great plans, people.

Why illegal!? | 4:28 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Because it's cleaner fuel and more readily available...that makes total sense. People want to monopolize the American public.

wrz | 4:31 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

John | 12:25 p.m. -
"To wrz:

How does drill here drill now solve anything?"

It helps put gas in your auto. You can help resolve the situation by riding your bike to work.

"The world's oil supply is finite. There is only so much to go around. You use more now you effectively leave your children with a planet half-destroyed and void of a valuable energy source. How irresponsible."

Then logically you should demand ASAP that all oil production stop. Do it for the kids. Otherwise you're a hypocrite.

"To those of us who do care about the future of our children and their children, alternative fuel sources and conservation are more important than an oil derrick in every backyard."

The derricks would be in ANWR and so far off shore you'd never see them.

"Think I'm kidding about the oil derricks? Go live a few weeks in Bakersfield, CA, where I hail from. It's not a pretty sight."

Then move to ANWR and share the view with the polar bears.

"Drill her (sic) drill now is clearly not the answer."

Why would you want to drill "her?"

wrz | 4:49 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Duh | 2:58 p.m. -

"I laugh so hard at the "drill here, drill now" cry! Drilling won't do a thing to the price of oil and gas."

Even the mere announcement by the administration recently brought oil prices down by 25%. And gas prices followed. Go figure.

"Hate to burst your bubble, but just because the oil companies drill here has no bearing on where that oil will go."

Who cares where it goes? Drilling here and drilling now will bring billions of dollars to the US in revenues and taxes instead of foreigners, some of whom hate us.

"US oil companies routinely sell North American oil on the world market. They sell where ever the price is highest. Basic economics."

I think you're getting it... more drilling equals more revenue for US firms and more taxes for the US gov't. Basic logic.

Awesomeron | 4:56 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Its about control. Global Warming is a Myth. Always has been, always will be. The Reeseï¿½s Pieces are not melting. Nature ebbs and flows, nothing much we can do about that , except build our buildings strong and hope for the best. The Government and Oil Companies want to control what fuels are developed because if the problem is solved and time soon in any simple and reasonable manner, America and the rest of the World would not depend on oil and the Price of Oil would go down to $20-$30 dollars a Barrel where it should be and Zillions would be lost. Gas stations would have to both sell price and Customer Service, full service and everything else to include Restrooms and Clean Ones At That. Also those wanting to drag America into being a 3rd World Country in the name of redistribution of Wealth and Global Warming would be at a complete loss. The people in charge of the system, do not want to solve the problem, they just want to talk about it. Before the Obama-nation comes into power, at which point we will all be saved by Mr. Charismatic and his liberal ideas.

The Rock | 6:16 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

As farm land is converted from food to fuel crops we will starve the poor.

Recycling used cooking oil is not bad.

Global warming is a farce. Average global temps are been dropping for 10 years.

Watch "The Great Global Warming Swindle" to get the truth on global warming.

Liberals want to impose a "sustainable lifestyle" on the American people. They are artificially driving up the price of oil to achieve this. They have long been on record as saying that gasoline is too inexpensive.

If Nancy Pelosi allows a vote on a bill that will allow drilling it will be so full of restrictions that drilling will still be non-existent.

To John | 6:23 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

Sounds like you need to go to the hills. One degree colder where I live will only increase the energy output. My house is already at 78. (That's on a cold day) Drive less? Really? Are you going to pay my bills? If I don't drive, I don't work. ( no public transportation here to get me to work). Liberals always say do less, but you never answer why it is okay for France to go to 85% nuclear and we cannot get any nuclear energy advancements here in the US. The area where the shale is located is barran wasteland. Even the Native Americans won't use that land. The oil industry has proven that they can use just 10% percent of land given and then replace the drill site to near pristine appearance and use. Wind power can only be used where it is feasible. Each windmill costs over 1 million to build and enviromentalist elitists are the ones saying "not in my back ysrd". Drill, Drill, Drill! It is common sense and viable. Your argument John 'ol boy" is weak.

What is wrong with UTAH??? | 6:33 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

I was talking to my friend the other day, she said that gas is still at $3.99, out here in Missouri, that was as high as I remember it getting. We are at $3.43 today, and yet Utah is still up near $4.00? What is going on in your state, is it the cost to ship, or are the gas stations forgetting to lower the prices?

Drilling | 7:04 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

The oil derricks are only up for the time needed to drill the well, then the rig is moved to a new location. If oil was found, a pump and storage tanks are set up, & are hardly noticeable as they are usually not near populated areas (at least in the Uintah Basin), so there is minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

As someone else said, global warming and cooling occur in cycles, beyond our control. We just adapt, as humans have for centuries. God created the earth to provide for us as long as we live on this planet. Yes, He expects us to take care of it to the best of our abilities, and to use our knowledge and technology to make the best use of the resources provided, but not to live in fear. Common sense should prevail, and in recent years it has not. The oil industry provides MANY jobs in this country, in spite of regulations and taxes. Government must not destroy our ability to provide for ourselves and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It is possible to be more self-sustaining. We have the resources right here at home. It's time to use them.

wrz | 7:07 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

The Rock | 6:16 p.m. -

"If Nancy Pelosi allows a vote on a bill that will allow drilling it will be so full of restrictions that drilling will still be non-existent."

Good point, Rock. We will end up with little of no new drilling yet Pelosi will have gotten credit for "allowing a vote." Demo politicians like Pelosi and her minions make me sick.

I never thought.... | 7:13 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

...I'd see the day when I thought $4.09 a gallon for 85 octane gas was CHEAP. That's what I paid in Vernal, Utah a few days ago. It has been around $4.19 and higher, so when I saw a station at $4.09, I filled my tank. Over $80. Just think of the groceries I could have bought with that, or paid a bill that needs to be paid! But I have to have gas to get to work, and public transportation is not an option here, and I'm too old and arthritic to ride a bike to work. I come home from work about 10pm at night, so that's not a good time to ride a bike on our busy roads out here, either. I'd like to trade my Jeep in on something that gets better mileage, but can't afford the monthly car payment. It's kind of the "rock and a hard place" situation. And I also have to ask, WHY are Utah's gas prices so high? I recently read that we are the 3rd highest in the nation. Something is not right here.

To wrz | 7:58 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

To wrz: Asking that I be allowed to use some oil does not make me a hypocrite. I am a citizen of the world, too, after all. But to use way more than is necessary for one man is ridiculous. Use what you need, conserve the rest. Honestly. Clearly, also, I meant drill here, not drill her. I apologize. I think the intent could be inferred easily, however.

Also, on your post to someone else, the price of oil futures has fallen, but not completely due to announcements of the US administration. Ever heard that the dollar is strenghtening? That global and US demand is way down due to a possible global recession?

Re To John 6:23 pm | 8:06 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

I apologize that you misunderstood the intent of letting your house be one degree cooler. In all the places I've lived (Hong Kong, LA, SLC, NYC, Orlando) my cooling unit worked on electricity, which is irrelevant to the discussion at hand. I was talking about having a cooler home in the winter, because it is the heating of a house that requires gas, not the cooling of a house (hence why gas bills are higher in the winter and electric bills are cooler in the summer, get it)? I don't think I need to recede to the hills for posting this.

Regarding nuclear energy, I agree with you. I don't know what your political persuasion may be, but I am not a knee-jerk liberal. I actually disagree with my party on the use of nuclear power.

About you driving to work, that's fine. But can you honestly say you don't have any wasteful driving habits? My wife and I combine shopping trips, combine trips to grandma's house with other things near to that area, etc. And maybe your local community should petition for public transportation. Most major urban cities offer great service.

Gretzky | 9:24 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

uhhh, one moment please....why is the desnews telling the IRS and EPA where this guy lives and what he's doing? isn't this just asking for trouble?

wrz | 9:57 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

To: What is wrong with UTAH??? @ 6:33 p.m.

The best strategy that I've heard to bring pressure to lower gas prices is to pass up buying the store's goodies when you pull in to get gas. And make sure the clerk knows.

Taylor | 10:01 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

In eastern South Dakota, 89 octane gasahol--10% alcohol, sells for $3.40 or less per gallon. Gasoline is usually the same.

E-85, a mixture of 85% corn alcohol and 15% gasoline, sells for $2.40 per gallon, and is available in many, many gas stations, though not all, and you need a FlexFuel vehicle to run it. GM has many FlexFuel vehicles on the road and in production, and Ford has a few.

Say what you want about corn alcohol not being efficient and having subsidies. Who wouldn't want to pay $2.40 per gallon of gas??? Or, even $3.40, or 60 cents a gallon less than in Utah?

Hmmm, 60 cents times 30 gallons a month = $18 a month of pure profit from every driver in Utah. Good work gouging Utahns, refiners and retailers. Thank you, i rather like being gouged. May i please further contribute to your wealth and my poverty? Please!? Please?!

wrz | 10:35 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008

To wrz | 7:58 p.m. -

"To wrz: Asking that I be allowed to use some oil does not make me a hypocrite. I am a citizen of the world, too, after all. But to use way more than is necessary for one man is ridiculous. Use what you need, conserve the rest."

Who decides what is "more than necessary?" The (gasp) Gov't? I recall my parents getting by with a bit of coal oil for lighting and some wood for heat and cooking. Horse pulled the plow and the buggy for trips to town.

"Clearly, also, I meant drill here, not drill her. I apologize. I think the intent could be inferred easily, however."

You're right of course.

"Also, on your post to someone else, the price of oil futures has fallen, but not completely due to announcements of the US administration. Ever heard that the dollar is strengthening?"

It's somewhat of a "which came first, the chicken or the egg" situation.

awesomeron | 1:51 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008

Where would America be today if Crude Oil had not been discovered and the ability to refine it into Oil and Gasoline, do you think that Cars, Trains, Planes, Buses, Construction Equipment would have run on Whale Oil and Steam. Maybe a little Coal Fired Plant in the Trunk. Think Not. However I do think that we would have found away because the Nation that America was becoming could not have withstood the Smell Of Horse Poop. Remember most of this Cars, Highways, and Roads Stuff has only been going on for a little over 100 years, and the vast part of it the Average Person in America having a Car for transportation for the last 50 or so years. Ike and those after him where responsible in building the Interstate Highway System and providing Millions of Family Wage Jobs to returning WWII Vets. Plus by passing small towns and turning them into Ghost Towns, all in the Name of Getting some place faster. All because of Cheap American Oil. Now we are at the point where we must produce alternative fuel methods in Mass. The people in charge do not want this to happen.

Anon 808 | 2:05 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008

Do you realize that if we do not develop alternative fuel, for the Masses and soon that America as we know it will come to a not so slow, very violent, grinding halt. My Brother in Law, Just obtained a job in Salt Lake City, he is going to Travel from Ogden to Salt Lake City, each day, because Property is cheaper in Ogden. Point is look at all the Oil and Gas he is going to use as well as all the time he is going to waste on the road. Gas goes down a few cents and some people start looking at SUV's again. We will not learn, until access to Gas becomes limited, or Rationed, or really to expensive. I am trying to get my life down to where I can get by with a Golf Cart. Plus a Small Car for my Wife. I keep my full sized Van because I do Foster Care and take people to Church, but its old and when its gone its gone. I live in a place where I do not need Heating Oil or Electric Heat, one day I expect to get taxed for Not Needing It.

Oil freedom | 5:44 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008

You can help resolve the situation by riding your bike to work.]

My neighbor is a contractor.

it would be painful trying to carry 3 painting ladders to his job site on a bike.

Mike R. | 9:23 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008

Crap on the EPA
Crap on the Salt Lake County Health Department
Crap on the State of Utah Fuel Tax
Crap on the Federal Gas Tax

If this stuff doesn't pollute as much as regular Diesel then let them brew the stuff. Who cares, except the governmet? Brew away and save some money.

The taxes that the government will be missing out on from these people will probably put lane stripes on about 100 yards of I-15.

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