NATSO Inc., the national association representing the travel plaza and
truckstop industry, said on Tuesday that it has launched a new business venture
known as the Alternative Fuels Council 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 (RFS). 

"The Alternative Fuels Council will also help its partners implement profitable
strategies related to alternative fuel supply options and fuel
infrastructure,"NATSO said.

Among its initial offerings, NATSO's Alternative Fuels Council today 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 at a substantially discounted price," NATSO said.

"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 Plan, 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, NATSO said.