Web sites, phone numbers related to biodiesel

Biodiesel, like all fuels, has government regulations.

Commercial biodiesel manufacturers must register the product with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and meet the biodiesel standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. A biodiesel company also has to register with the Internal Revenue Service because the product is subject to commercial road taxes, said Jenna Higgins, a spokeswoman for the National Biodiesel Board, a trade organization based in Jefferson City, Missouri.

When purchasing biodiesel, use a reputable oil dealer and ask for a certificate of analysis for the fuel. Another good sign would be is if the manufacturer participates in BQ9000, a voluntary quality control assurance program developed by the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission. “Looking for that seal is like looking for the good housekeeping seal of approval,” Higgins said.

Here is a list of Rhode Island biodiesel companies:

Biodiesel for vehicle use

Construct Oil Company Inc., 23 Dexter Rd., East Providence, 401-431-5060

REC Fleet Fuel Service, 9 Hylstead St., Providence, 401-467-8773, www.fleetfuelri.net

Biodiesel for vehicle, boat and heating use

T.H. Malloy Fuels 106 Scott Rd., Cumberland, 401-333-0665, 1-800-817-0205, www.thmalloyandsonsfuel.com

Biodiesel for heating and vehicle use

Guardian Fuel & Energy Systems Inc., 79 Old Hopkinton Rd., Westerly, 401-596-65666, www.guardianfuel.com

Biodiesel for boats

Port Edgewood Marina and Yacht Sales, 1128 Narragansett Boulevard, Cranston, 401-941-2000, www.portedgewood.com

Biodiesel manufacturers

Mason Biodiesel, 401-315-5565, www.mason-biodiesel.com

Newport Biodiesel, 401-741-6621, www.newportbiodiesel.com

Biodiesel marketer, Hudson Ecofuel www.hudsonecofuel.com

Biodiesel Web sites

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site for alternative fuels, www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Vehicle Guide, www.epa.gov/greenvehicles

U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency Administration’s Renewable and Alternative Fuels Web site, www.eia.doe.gov/fuelrenewable.html

U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency Administration’s Renewable and Alternative Fuels Price Report Web site, www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/resources/pricereport/price_report.html

National Biodiesel Board, www.biodiesel.org

Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol trade organization, www.ethanolrfa.org