State to provide biofuels at various stations

MONTGOMERY - Alabama has joined the Interstate 65 Biofuels Corridor that soon will have service stations selling alternative gasoline and diesel fuel from Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico.

At events in Prattville and Mobile last week, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition promoted Alabama's availability of biofuels, designed to cut foreign energy dependence and provide markets for corn, soybeans and other plant material.

"Increasing the availability of biofuels is the right thing to do for our environment, our economy and our national security," Gov. Bob Riley said in a statement.

At a USA Travel Center in Prattville where biofuel was touted at a news conference, station manager Beverly Cillery said both E85-ethanol and B20 biodiesel will be available by Thanksgiving.

"There will be signs posted at the exits and signs at the service stations," Cillery said.

E85-ethanol is a blend of 85 percent ethanol made from plants or grain, and 15 percent gasoline. It can only be used in vehicles that are designated for flex fuel or E85-ethanol.

B20 biodiesel is made from animal fat or vegetable oil and can be used in vehicles that run on diesel fuel. It can also be blended with petroleum-based diesel fuel.

In Alabama, biofuel is or will be available at I-65 exits in Athens, Vestavia Hills, Montgomery and Mobile by Jan. 1. Biofuel is available now in some locations, including Tuscaloosa, Vestavia Hills and Mobile, officials said.

Mark Bentley, executive director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, said E85-ethanol was $2.85 a gallon in Mobile, 44 cents less than unleaded regular gasoline.

He said E85-ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline but it does not have quite the performance of gasoline. He said the lower price makes up for the difference.

Bentley said the goal is to have eight biofuel pumps in Alabama open by Jan. 1. He said the I-65 Biofuels Corridor will have biofuel pumps no more than one-quarter fuel tank apart.

Station owners were able to receive grants of $20,000 for installing one alternative fuel pump or $50,000 for both E85-ethanol and B20 diesel pumps, he said.

Dana Beyerle can be reached at (334) 264-6605 or dtb12345@aol.com.