NATSO launches Alternative Fuels Council, biodiesel quality plan

NATSO Inc., the national association representing the travel plaza and truckstop industry, launched a new business venture known as the Alternative Fuels Council (NATSOAltFuels.com) to help fuel retailers leverage the resources necessary to learn about and incorporate alternative fuels into their supply offerings.

The Alternative Fuels Council will work with members of the truckstop and travel plaza community and other fuel retailers to navigate the litany of state and federal fuel regulations, and to utilize available government incentives for alternative fuels, including the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Alternative Fuels Council will also help its partners implement profitable strategies related to alternative fuel supply options and fuel infrastructure.

“The Alternative Fuels Council is designed to satisfy our industry’s need for expert, convenient and cost-effective solutions that help fuel retailers bring alternative fuels to market,” said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “The alternative fuels market is an important growth opportunity for many fuel retailers nationwide, and both the fuel retailing industry and their customers will benefit from the collective resources and benefits of this endeavor.”

Among its initial offerings, NATSO’s Alternative Fuels Council unveiled a new Biodiesel Fuel Quality Plan designed to help those who blend, market and distribute biodiesel blends ensure the final product that they sell to consumers meets a minimum standard of quality. As part of this plan, the Alternative Fuels Council will help facilitate fuel testing and analysis for marketers.

“Maintaining fuel quality is increasingly important to today’s fuel retailers amid the growing number of fuel offerings and renewable fuel blending options,” said NATSO Fuel Specialist Jeff Hove. “While certain accreditation and quality assurance can be provided by biodiesel producers and suppliers, it is imperative that fuel retailers remain vigilant regarding the quality of the finished product.” As NATSO’s fuel specialist, Hove will be the primary liaison between the Alternative Fuels Council and its fuel retailing partners.

Through the Fuel Quality Program, those who blend, market and distribute biodiesel can access a step-by-step guide to the blending process. The guide directs users through fuel quality management, including sampling procedures, protocols and proposed schedules, to help ensure that alternative fuel meets the required ASTM fuel quality standards.

To learn more about the Alternative Fuels Council and the Biodiesel Fuel Quality program visit NATSOAltFuels.com or access a one-pager here.