Map of biodiesel stations available

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The trade association for the biodiesel industry offers a nationwide map of locations where you can fuel up with biodiesel.

The National Biodiesel Board provides a list of hundreds of locations under “Buying Biodiesel” on its website at www.biodiesel.org or by contacting the NBB at (800) 841-5849..

Biodiesel can be used as a pure fuel or blended with petroleum in any percentage. It is produced from fat or oil, such as soybean oil, through a refinery process called transesterification.

Annual U.S. production of the fuel has increased from 500,000 gallons in 1999 to 30 million gallons in 2004, with 500 U.S. commercial and government fleets currently using biodiesel. Sales have been boosted in part by a biodiesel tax incentive that became effective Jan. 1.

Biodiesel proponents say the fuel offers environmental and engine benefits and can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification. However, the board does warn that biodiesel has a solvent effect and can release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel storage. This release initially can clog filters, and precautions should be taken.