Caring for the environment is the responsibility of every human being on the planet. Both people and governments should be doing their part to control contributions to an ever growing problem worldwide. There has been quite a bit of controversy over the subject of red diesel pollution in the UK and here will be discussed various facts to help make understand a bit more clear.
Commonly used in many industrial machines and off road vehicles, this product is very similar to its popular counterpart, except that it is a dyed, low duty alternative. Construction and farming are two of the leading industries consuming this product. The only reason the dye is added is to prevent it from being utilized to operate normal road going vehicles.
Also known as rebated fuel, this product is cheaper than its white counterpart because it is subjected to lower duty taxes due to the purpose for which it is intended. It is not meant for regular transport vehicles, but to power fishing vessels, and the vehicles and machinery used in the forestry, construction, or agricultural industries. It receives these tax breaks to help these businesses recoup some of their costs and turn a profit, thus benefiting the economy.
All fuels of this type – regardless of color – contribute to polluting the environment. The big debate is whether this particular variety is more harmful than any of the others. Environmental agencies claim that it contributes far more than the rest and should be faced with stricter regulations to avoid being completely banned.
In the United Kingdom, diesels are also used in a great number of common personal vehicles, though this dyed variety has a unique set of issues due to the dye. All engines utilizing this type of fuel emit significant amounts of particulate matter and nitrogen compounds into the air as they burn. Proponents of the fuel like to point out that diesels actually produce less hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide than regular gasoline.
One of the biggest complaints is that the footprint left by diesels is more visible than that created by other types of fuel. They are much oilier and heavier than standard gasoline so it produces a stronger smell and leaves behind a trail of soot that covers vehicles and structures. This is difficult to clean off and is rather unsightly, which only leads to more of a public outcry to more strictly regulate its use.
Industrial vehicles have to have the extra power to perform the jobs for which they are intended, which makes the use of this fuel a necessity. The government would need to present these industries with cleaner alternatives if they expect full cooperation from the businesses that rely on it. These alternate sources would also have to be just as cost effective – if not more – in order to make them acceptable.
While studies show that diesels are emitting less harmful chemicals into the air than gasoline, there is no denying that it is leaving a much dirtier footprint. One option is to be more strict in the regulations that ban the use of these products outside of the industries for which they are intended. Another would be to fund research to come up with ways to better filter the emissions produced.
