When I think of Ralph Nader running for president again as an independent candidate and how that could affect the general election, I think he must be a closet Republican, or have a few advisers that fit the bill. He was the spoiler before and he might be again.

He says that Republican and Democratic candidates are too beholden to big business. Perhaps. He says we are not doing enough to protect the environment, also true. He thinks he knows better, maybe; but Cuba just had a guy named Fidel step down from his presidency (sort-of) who knew better also, or so he insisted since 1959.

In the 1960's and 1970's Nader was an important figure who successfully championed many causes including the environment, consumer protection, civil rights, disclosure laws and fought for those that could not fight for themselves. He was a man of the times. These are his times no more. His provocation of the electorate may stem more from being 'green with envy', as much as being a green party advocate.

There's no word yet on how this small development might touch Exxon (NYSE: XOM), Chevron (NYSE: CVX) or Conoco (NYSE: COP), but a little upstart in New Zealand called Aquaflow Bionomic Corporation has successfully test driven a vehicle fueled with a biodiesel blend called B5. The new fuel technology exploits biodiesel, which is readily created from harvested algae grown in nutrient rich sewage settling ponds. The best part is that the algae used is created in huge volumes by a process that is already in wide spread use.

In an article reported on the Green Progress website, Aquaflow states that they are years ahead of original estimates regarding when this technology could become available. They say that the next step is to attain the capacity to produce one million litres of this algae based biodiesel per year.

So far the company has attracted some moderate attention from private investors. They had announced that their prospectus would be available by Christmas time but I've not seen one yet. My request for one has been sent. When I receive it I'll be sure to let you know.