State's first biodiesel pump opens

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Trucks, school buses and firetrucks lined up as the state's first biodiesel pump opened for business at a capital city gas station.

The diesel fuel composed of a 20 percent soybean mix can be used by any diesel engine, much like a corn-based ethanol mix can be used by gasoline-powered vehicles.

Whereas ethanol has been making inroads for a while, biodiesel is just breaking out. Biodiesel production rose to about 15 million gallons nationally last year, up from 500,000 gallons in 1999.

In Jefferson City, a Conoco station was selling the biodiesel fuel Tuesday for $1.199 a gallon -- 10 cents more than regular unleaded gasoline. The station does not sell traditional diesel fuel.

When the pump opened Monday, firefighters brought a cherry-red engine, the state Division of Weights and Measures brought a delivery truck and Jefferson City schools also filled up a school bus.