Biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel. This publication surveys many dimensions of biodiesel production and use. Net energy balance, sustainable bioenergy crops, scale of production, consumer access and the economics of biodiesel are all critical when discussing a sustainable energy future for this country. Above all, increased fuel effi ciency and possibly increased diesel engine use in the United States will be needed in order for biodiesel to become a signifi cant part of our energy future.