Is it illegal to use Bio-fuels?

Question

Here's an article that shows that a man was fined $1,000 from the State and $1,000 from the Federal governments for running his 1981 diesel Mercedes on biofuels.

Since politicians are running for office on promoting energy independence, why don't they repeal the laws that punish independent researchers?

Or is congress tied to the interest of big oil?

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/599471.html

Answer 1

If government can find a way to tax people, it will. The use of traditional petroleum fuels kept everything simple, but the use of alternative fuels for vehicles will make things interesting, much like the concerns about controlling "dual-use technology" to counter nuclear proliferation. Not only will bio-diesel confound the tax-collecting structure for vehicle fuel as it pertains to vegetable oil, but other alternative fuels will likely spring similar tax traps. People who buy electric cars can expect the vehicle fuel tax assessors to start taxing their electricity usage. People who buy compressed-air-powered vehicles, such as "The Air Car," might even be taxed for using air (possibly in addition to taxes on the electricity used to compress that air). It would be interesting if tax officials were to view regenerative braking as production of additional electric "fuel" for hybrids and tax hybrid drivers for every time they tap the brake pedal.

Answer 2

It is not illegal, the government is just trying to make sure you pay the fuel tax, which according to these fines, would mean any type of fuel, including used vegetable oils. Unfortunately, they are hindering those that want to use it but can't afford the full set up. If you pay the $2500 Bond to the state, you will be allowed to use bio-fuels, but if you don't pay it, you are breaking the law. I think if they are going to charge a tax on it, then they should charge by the actual cost, like regular gas. if the vegoil cost is 29.9 cents per gallon, then they should collect the tax on that price.

Answer 3

Of course not. Millions of people are using them. That's a ridiculous idea.

You can buy biofuels designated for use in your car from someone who pays the proper taxes.

The thing you can't do is buy (or sell) oil intended for something else and use it in a car to avoid paying the tax on diesel fuel. That's an old scam that's always been illegal.

And that's exactly what this guy did. He went to the store and bought vegetable oil. He wasn't doing "research", or being environmental, he was committing tax fraud.

EDIT - To everyone complaining about government fuel taxes here. Please tell me exactly how YOU would pay for road construction? Don't just whine, tell me how you'd do that.

Answer 4

What makes you think that?

My old Earth And Space teacher (no matter how annoying and odd he was) has a truck that accepts bio-diesel and Ethanol (E-40). Its a duel engine. He can put regular gasoline in it too. You can get it at some petrol stations, but not many and its kind of hard to get too.

At this time, people should want others to use bio fuels instead of just regular gasoline.

Answer 5

Congress is apparently tied to the interests of big grease and never miss opportunities for taxing or idiot beauracracy and that is one reason why these global warming gloom and doomer who look for the government to bail them out at every turn will always be an angry and unhappy lot.

Answer 6

maybe they just want to corrupt the man fined. the congress is interested to both but i think they are more interested in oil extraction......

Answer 7

Big brother feels left out if he can't take your money. I wonder how they will tax electric cars. To answer your question, I would say it is tax evasion.

Answer 8

No it is not illegal... it is quite shocking that someone can be fined for doing good :(

Answer 9

No, it's not illegal. They're suppose to be promoting it...

Answer 10

NO no no n no no no no no no no no