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On the Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and the Future of the Family Farm
Willie Nelson
Boulder, CO.: Fulcrum Publishing
91 pp., $9.95, paperback
ISBN: 1-55591-624-4

Willie Nelson: music legend, and environmental activist? Most of us only ever think of him as an entertainer, but for years Willie Nelson has been a devoted advocate of biodiesel: a fuel made from oily plant extracts that is easier to make and more environmentally friendly than petroleum fuels. In fact, Nelson had been a major distributor of the fuel until last year. Only after reading his humorous and useful book, On the Clean Road Again: Biodiesel and the Future of the Family Farm did I realize the possibilities open by just switching to biodiesel fuel.

The pros of using biodiesel appear to far outweigh the cons. Making biodiesel, for example, is quicker and easier than making petroleum. Unlike petroleum (which is bound to run out), plants are used to make biodiesel, so running out of ingredients for the fuel is virtually impossible. What's more, biodiesel is more environmentally friendly. Nelson points out that biodiesel reduces “carbon dioxide emissions by over 78 percent” and “exhaust smoke emissions by up to 55%.” He does mention that, unfortunately, the fuel has as many cons as it does pros: insufficient availability, climate sensitivity (it gels up in cold weather), and rubber breakdown of certain engine parts. Despite these difficulties, Nelson reassures his readers that any problem is either easily fixed or in the process of improving. Even the problem of availability may, he says, soon be nonexistent, simply by employing American family farms as the major producers of biodiesel crops. Nelson insists that employing farm families is one of the best side-effects of switching to biodiesel.

According to Nelson, the American family farm is going extinct. This is mainly due to the importation of goods from different countries—cheaper goods that ultimately cost more in the long run. Our nation buys imported goods, which creates a smaller market for goods sold right here in the U.S. Hence, family farms can’t sell their crops for a reasonable price, and they’re forced to shut down. Nelson insists that the way to fix both the problem of the endangered family farm and that of America’s $805 billion trade deficit is to start growing crops on American soil for the use of both food and biodiesel. Biodiesel, Nelson contends, is the answer to saving the environment and to saving the economy.

Nelson’s views are based on knowledge prior to our new understanding of biodiesel crop manufacturing. We now have evidence opposing the use of corn in biodiesel. It takes more energy to make biodiesel from corn or soy than it does to make biodiesel from alternative crops. Despite the setback of corn as a main source of biodiesel manufacturing, Nelson’s book still provides us with some beneficial alternatives, such as sunflowers and switch grasses, which can be grown in many places across the U.S. The problems caused by using corn for biodiesel can be solved by simply using a wider variety or inedible crops. Despite the setback of corn as a main source for biodiesel manufacturing, Nelson’s book still provides us with some beneficial alternatives.

Nelson doesn’t pretend that biodiesel will solve all of America’s long term environmental issues. Biodiesel still releases carbon dioxide and other dangerous fumes, despite its many advantages. However, it may very well take us nearer toward cleaner energy. Willie Nelson provides a casual introduction to a basic knowledge of one of our country’s most widely accepted alternative fuels. His simple, conversational style speaks to the average citizen-- giving a helpful, personally involved commentary on the prospect of biodiesel production by family farm holders. Any reader looking to gain a basic understanding of biodiesel and its uses will be pleased with Nelson’s book.

– SHARI TAYLOR

Order from:
Fulcrum Publishing
4690 Table Mountain Drive, Suite 100
Golden, Colorado 80403
(800) 922-2908
www.fulcrum-books.com