Conversation with Chris Powers of Houston Biodiesel

> Why did you start Houston Biodiesel?
Completely and 100% for environmental reasons. Several years ago my family nearly left Houston due to the poor air quality and the city's general lack of interest in living a sustainable existence. At that time there was not a single company selling biodiesel to the public, so I decided to fill that gap. I told my wife that we could make a difference if we stayed.

> How long has it been in existence?
We sold our first gallon in 2003 and it’s been a long slow uphill battle every since. People like to talk about biodiesel but are generally afraid to start use it. This fear is unjustifiable so we do our best to educate and take the mystery out of using this remarkable fuel.

> What kinds of vehicles do you get?
For the diesel enthusiast this is a great place to hang out. The United States has a very limited range of diesel vehicles but we’ve seen just about everything pull up to our pump. Not a day goes by without seeing a Mercedes, VW, Jeep, or diesel pickup truck. The more interesting rides include: popular musical artists private coaches, H1 Humvees, Land Rover, Scout, Art Cars, Ambulance, Fire Truck, and much more.

> What kinds of emissions does biodiesel have, especially in comparison to regular diesel?
Biodiesel is not the perfect fuel nor is it the answer to all our problems. It does help and help considerably. For example burning pure B100 biodiesel has about half the emissions compared to petroleum diesel. More specifically biodiesel reduces net greenhouse CO2 emission by 78%, Hydrocarbon by 70%, CO by 40%, Particulate (smoke) by 50%, and current NOX studies indicate biodiesel is NOX neutral with diesel. Biodiesel also has no VOC (volatile organic compounds) or sulfur. If you choose to drive a diesel and whether you burn biodiesel or diesel (or a blend of the two) please buy the newest diesel you can afford. Old diesel engines are notoriously dirty compared to the new technology engines.

> Tell us about the classes Houston Biodiesel runs.
Part of our grass roots movement is to educate workshop students on how to make biodiesel safely themselves. There is nothing more satisfying then driving on fuel you produced yourself, but we want people to know how to do it correctly and in a safe manner. The workshop is an intense five-hour hands on training making biodiesel. We cover the entire spectrum from oil collection to finished product and quality testing.

> What are your thoughts on gas prices and the industry?
Fuel is way too cheap and the entire population in the US is spoiled. People are complaining about fuel prices, but take a look at the rest of the industrialized world. Not only are we spoiled, we've convinced ourselves that fuel should be inexpensive. Wake up America, the current culture you are used to is ending and ending rapidly! Today the US is behind the renewable curve and playing catch-up to countries in the EU and South America. These other nations are decades ahead of us in renewable fuel use and technology. Yes we can level the gap but it will take hard work and commitment.

Most people don’t know that a great deal of biodiesel produced in the US is exported. The practice is so common here in Houston that my company has a hard time even finding competitively priced high quality biodiesel! It’s frustrating personally for customers want inexpensive fuel so I end up buying biodiesel from out of state. The biodiesel local plants get more money for their product by selling it to the EU than here in Houston.

> What is your location, phone, web site?
We are just East of downtown near the original Ninfa's Restuarant. Our website has all the details and our phone is 713/222-0832. We have two other locations that sell our product as well: American Greenfuels and Peachleaf Biodiesel have retail biodiesel pumps in North and South Houston.

> Any chance you'll be opening a location in the Heights?
I’d love to have an old time looking gas station in the Heights. Unfortunately, the economics are not there. Houston Biodiesel actually loses money selling biodiesel; it’s my other two businesses that support my biodiesel habit. Having an independent biodiesel pump in the Houston Heights would be would be fun, though.