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Nov 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Starting December 16, 2008, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will require labels on all retail biodiesel pumps selling more than a 5% blend of biodiesel (B5). The FTC published the final ruling on biodiesel pump labeling June 23.

Under the federal ruling, blends of 5% and lower do not require special labeling. Earlier this year ASTM, the standard-setting body for fuel in America, voted to approve the inclusion of up to 5% biodiesel in the standard for petroleum diesel, D975.

Retailing biodiesel blends is now easier than ever before, according to Jess Hewitt, president of Houston TX-based Gulf Hydrocarbon Inc. and chairman of the National Biodiesel Board marketing committee. A recent change in the law ensures that gas station franchises can't prohibit franchisees from selling biofuels.

“This has been a critical step in ensuring that petroleum marketers have the power to make their own business decisions and respond to market demand for biodiesel,” Hewitt says.