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GM, DOE Partner On Jatropha Biofuel Research

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Co. will spend the next five years working with federal authorities to study whether oil from a weed can become a sustainable source for biodiesel, the automotive company said Tuesday. The partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy will study whether the jatropha plant can be a dependable biofuel crop.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Co. will spend the next five years working with federal authorities to study whether oil from a weed can become a sustainable source for biodiesel, the automotive company said Tuesday.

The partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy will study whether the jatropha plant can be a dependable biofuel crop.

Officials said they hope the research will determine if the drought-resistant plant that can grow with little maintenance on a small amount of land can produce enough oil to be converted into biodiesel.

They'll also research whether that biodiesel will be usable in engines working in varying climates.

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