Safeway, one of the nation’s largest food and drug retailers, recently launched B20 biodiesel sales at a retail location in Seattle as part of a test on the alternative fuel.
“Conserving our nation’s valuable energy resources is something that Safeway and our customers care deeply about,” says Greg Sparks, president of Safeway’s Seattle division. “Safeway is proud to be able to offer an alternative fuel for our customers in Seattle. Selecting this area to test-market biodiesel fuel was a natural for us as Seattle — and Washington State as a whole — continues to lead the nation when it comes to encouraging and accepting alternative energy and fuel options.”
The station in west Seattle is said to be one of the country’s first national retailer-owned biodiesel fueling stations. The fuel center will sell B20 biodiesel, which is a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. Safeway is selling SoyPOWER brand biodiesel, a product that comes from the Iowa-based full-service biodiesel company, Renewable Energy Group. Safeway is considering offering B20 at other fuel centers.
“With the addition of biofuels at its West Seattle location, Safeway is taking a bold step toward helping our city, state and country become less dependent on fossil fuels alone,” says Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. “Safeway is leading by example and setting a standard for environmental partnership.”
The announcement adds to Safeway’s growing commitment to protecting the environment and conserving the nation’s valuable energy resources. Beginning in 2005, the company purchased 100 percent renewable energy to power its 270 fuel stations in the United States, including its 15 stores in San Francisco and the Safeway corporate campuses in Pleasanton and Walnut Creek, Calif.
“Safeway is committed to the advancement of products and technologies that help our customers live healthier lives and help meet our changing environmental landscape,” says Cherié Myers, director of public and government affairs for Safeway’s Seattle division. “Biodiesel is the latest in a long line of environmentally conscious products and an ingredient for life that we are proud to offer our customers.”
