Virginia Beach, VA. - The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), through coordination with the Regional Transportation Office, has opened two new biodiesel fuel pumps at NEX gas stations at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.

The two Biodiesel 20 (B20) pumps, which opened for business June 6 and June 19, respectively, are open seven days a week, offering the fuel for sale to the fleet and the general public.

“The biodiesel pumps are a continuation of NEXCOM’s efforts to help the Department of Defense and Navy meet its objective of reducing reliance on petroleum and helps us meet the requirements of Executive Order 13149,” said Larry Boone, NEXCOM’s automotive program manager. “The order ensures the Federal government exercises leadership in the reduction of petroleum consumption through improvements in fleet fuel efficiency and the use of alternative fuels. The Navy Exchange is a leader in offering these fuel alternatives. Through this initiative, we are meeting and exceeding both our customers’ and the Navy’s expectations.”

B20 fuel is manufactured from biodegradable substances such as vegetable oils, recycled cooking grease or animal fats. The B20 fuel offered at Navy Exchange CITGO gas stations is soy-based and made from a mixture of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent regular petroleum-based diesel.

“Any diesel engine can use biodiesel fuel,” said Boone. “It doesn’t need converting. However, check your car’s owner's manual or consult your car manufacturer about biodiesel blends when considering the use of biodiesel.”

While biodiesel costs a little more at the pump, it is ultimately better for the environment and reduces the country’s dependency on petroleum. When used on a wide scale, biodiesel fuel would essentially cut down petroleum usage by 20 percent, a marked decrease.

The Navy Exchange also operates alternative fuels at NEX Quarters K near the Pentagon, NEX Jacksonville, Fla., and NEX Mayport, Fla. These facilities offer alternative fuels to anyone who can enter the base. Even though the Navy Exchange restricts shopping privileges to only active duty, retirees and their family members, the Armed Service Exchange Regulations (ASER) grants military exchanges the authority to sell alternative fuels to the public in unison with the government’s lead on the use of alternative fuels.

For additional information, check out the National Biodiesel Board Web site at www.biodiesel.org.