California Biofuel Stations Growing Slowly

In 2007, California had 835 alternative fuel stations, more than any other state.

Most dispense electricity (379),
Liquefied petroleum gas (215)
Compressed natural gas (174),

These figures were compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Sites offering liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, biodiesel or E85 were far down the list. Although California leads the nation in adopting alternative fuels, there are only seven places to get E85 in the state, and only three are open to the public.

The disparity is largely a reflection of the state's longtime emphasis on converting large fleets used by governments, school districts and private industry to alternative fuels, rather than changing the vehicle choices and habits of the masses. It's also a manifestation of California's small role in growing corn and soy beans, the primary crops used to produce E85 and biodiesel.

Biodiesel backers have helped build a statewide roster of more than 50 sites that offer the fuel, with many selling to the public and offering blends ranging from B10 (10% biodiesel and 90% petroleum diesel) to B99, a nearly pure biodiesel fuel.

Now, however, California has adopted ambitious new goals for alternative fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions -- and it can no longer afford to leave the public out of the mix. For starters, the state is going to increase the use of ethanol as a fuel additive to all gasoline sold here.

For years, California's gasoline has contained 5.7% ethanol to boost octane and comply with federal emissions rules; starting in 2010, that will rise to 10% ethanol.

Family-owned Redwood Oil Co., based in Rohnert Park, Calif., operates 19 Chevron-branded gas stations. In May, the company started selling 99% biodiesel at one station and added B20 at another outlet a few months ago.

Alternative fuel retailers say state agencies, fire officials and others have been slow to adapt their rules to accommodate biofuels. Confusion and extra red tape involving equipment standards and permitting have been major hurdles, especially for E85.

The Brentwood station and the two others like it, for example, had to be designated as research sites to get all the approvals for the E85 pumps because the state hasn't finalized emissions and equipment guidelines, Moller said.

To sell the highest blend of biodiesel, stations like Conserv Fuel must secure a variance from the state Division of Measurement Standards, which regulates biodiesel as an additive and not a fuel. In addition, anyone selling biodiesel blends higher than B20 must limit sales to customers who become members of a free, loosely defined "users group," and to submit monthly reports to the measurement division -- a requirement not present in any other state, Moller said.

The market is another uncertainty. Many drivers are unaware that their vehicle can run on E85, and it's unclear how many will make the switch, given the fuel's higher per-mile cost.

SOURCE: LA TIMES