Category Archives: Media

The new Propel Fuels website is here!

Drumroll please! After months (on our end) of anticipation, we’re excited to announce that PropelFuels.com is now easier to use and more community-driven than ever:


Informative content, enhanced navigation.
We know your time is valuable. With the new PropelFuels.com, you’ll also find quick access to dedicated sections for:

  • Vehicles: Millions of vehicles on the road today can run renewable fuels. Can yours?
  • Resources: Access third-party studies, fuel FAQs, the truth about biofuel myths and more
  • Fleet & Commercial: Find customer solutions, exclusive fleet savings and real user testimonials
  • Owners & Operators: All our questions abou bringing clean fuels to your station answered

From Biofuels Digest: The Faces of Biofuels

It starts with having a choice. As those who have chosen renewable fuels over petroleum, you are a crucial part of helping our country meet its economic and environmental goals. This week, the industry’s leading online journal, Biofuels Digest, has provided a fine microphone to share your voices with their first installment of the new series “The Faces of Biofuels.” With a little help from you, this piece featured a whole crew of consumers all happy to be filling their rides with clean, American-made Flex Fuel E85.

Read the full article and meet all of this week’s “Faces”!

Kai, a self-proclaimed "Ethanol Fuel Enthusiast," fills her standard Honda Civic with an E85/petroleum blend

American Patriot Trey fills up his Flex Fuel Ford F-150 at a Propel Clean Fuel Point in Rocklin, CA

CA's former Secretary of Technology, Trade and Commerce fuels up his Chevy Suburban with Flex Fuel E85 at Propel's Folsom location

Thanks to Biofuels Digest for capturing this enthusiasm — and to the growing community of clean fuel drivers everywhere: thank you for your commitment, your businesses and your voice. Every fill with renewable fuels encourages freedom from harmful emissions, petroleum usage and foreign oil dependency, so keep up the good work!

Do you, or does your business, fill with Propel’s clean E85 or biodiesel? Submit your story to Propel Fuels.

World Business video examines US green economy

A new piece from World Business reviews the policy challenges facing the US cleantech industry while nations such as China and Germany increase their cleantech efforts and exports.

As a leading retailer of renewable, American fuels, Propel Fuels is actively seeking to maximize consumer adoption of clean energy in the US. According to Propel CEO Matt Horton, ”The stability of policy is far more important than very attractive policy in a lot of ways, because it is the volatility of policy that really hurts from a business planning standpoint.”

Adds Nancy Floyd, founder of cleantech venture capital firm Nth Power and chairman of Propel’s board of directors, “The venture capitalists are going to be placing their dollars maybe in companies that aren’t headquartered in the United States where there is stable, favorable policy.”

To maintain its edge in providing renewable fuel infrastructure, Propel has found it advantageous to build out what will soon become an expansive network of retail Clean Fuel Points within CA before continuing to build in other states.

“There’s a great policy environment [in California],” Horton says. “California has always shown real leadership.”

But that’s just one piece of the national picture.

“Because of the lack of policy,” he continues, “I do think the United States is going to start falling behind.”

To learn more, view the video above, or contact Propel Fuels to hear from Matt firsthand.

Propel makes list of top Bay Area Cleantech Companies

Propel Fuels has been ranked 15th in the Top 25 Venture Capital-Funded Cleantech Firms in the Greater Bay Area according to the San Francisco Business Times’ 2011 Book of Lists. Based in Redwood City, CA, Propel Fuels builds, owns and operates an expanding retail network of Clean Fuel Points that offer cleaner burning, American-made fuels throughout CA and WA State.

The San Francisco Business Times’ Book of Lists is an annual compilation of the area’s leading companies, categorized and ranked by industry.

For more information on the Book of Lists, visit the San Francisco Business Times website, or to learn about Propel Fuels and/or find a Clean Fuel Point near you,
visit Propel’s Station Locator.

US Senator Patty Murray and Propel discuss economic impacts of biodiesel industry

Monday morning, Senator Patty Murray (D – WA) & Propel hosted a press conference to discuss support for the Biodiesel Blenders Tax Credit and its positive impacts on job growth, carbon emissions reduction and national security. Since the tax credit was left to expire in January, US biodiesel production has largely screeched to a halt. As a result, many producers including Imperium Renewables have looked to markets outside of the US to sell its fuel. The industry’s message was clear; renew the tax credit and our industry will immediately increase production, and create jobs.

The event was held at Propel Fuels Clean Fuel Point, the first renewable fuels station in downtown Seattle, Senator Murray was joined by the leaders of companies from up and down the biodiesel value chain (bioscience, refining, production and retail consumer access), who discussed the importance of the extension of the tax credit currently being debated in Congress.

Speakers included Matt Horton, CEO of Propel Fuels, Todd Ellis, VP of Business Development for Imperium Renewables, Dr. Margaret McCormick, COO for Targeted Growth, and Cameron Hewes, President and CEO of General Biodiesel.

Propel Customers in the National Spotlight – CNBC Story

CNBC’s The Tech Effect features Propel and reports on the growing access to clean fuels in the Sacramento, California region.

Propel sign_CNBC

Propel Fuels offers customers choice at the pump beyond traditional petroleum options. Matt Horton, Propel CEO says, “today we’re selling E85 ethanol and biodiesel, tomorrow we’ll be selling hydrogen and electric vehicle charging–whatever makes sense at the time.”
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Propel customers like Paul Wikoff, choose to use Flex Fuel E85 not only because it is less expensive than regular gasoline, but also for the environmental and health benefits.

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Watch the CNBC clip.

Diesel Passenger Vehicles: New for 09?

From practical sedans to luxury utility vehicles, manufacturers will offer a variety of diesel passenger cars to U.S. consumers for 2009 and 2010 model year.

Biodiesel drivers will soon have more choices thanks to manufacturers like Audi, BMW and Honda.

2009 diesel passenger vehicles:

2009-2010 diesel light trucks:

For more information on these vehicles and other available diesel models, visit Diesel Auto Blog.

CleanDrive members on the cutting edge

CleanDrive Report Screenshot

Are you a CleanDrive member? If so, you are at the forefront of a movement towards tracking and monitoring you carbon footprint. A recent New York Times article discusses how visibility into our carbon output will become a part of our lives, and influence behavior for the better. From thermostat price monitors, to eco-mood jewelry – the article outlines several ways carbon savings, or lack thereof, will be worn on our sleeve. Have a read: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/science/25tier.html?ex=1207108800&en=30d6236cc4c256da&ei=5070&emc=eta1

So if you haven’t already, register for CleanDrive and be at the head of the carbon tracking revolution. Review you report with your family, or show your customers. It’s a powerful thing to see how your choice to use biodiesel is making a change for the better. Combined the Propel community has saved nearly 1 million pounds of CO2. Now that’s powerful.

Register for CleanDrive: http://propelbiofuels.com/content/cleandrive/

Check your CleanDrive account: https://www.propelbiofuels.com/site/clean/login.htm

Biodiesel is more expensive than ever. Why?

Propel’s commitment to alternative fuel access and sustainability includes economic sustainability. As a retailer, Propel purchases biodiesel at wholesale prices, and sells to our customers at margins equal to or less than traditional Oil Prices Risepetroleum retailers. As wholesale costs rise for biodiesel, Propel is committed to offering clean fuel access at a reasonable price point. And our fuels and vehicles team is aggressively looking at biodiesel supply options that meet our quality, cost and sustainability parameters.

There is one main factor driving the current pricing increase: the price of vegetable oil. In the past 12 months, March 2007 to March 2008, prices have jumped 90% for soy oil.

For biodiesel producers, between 80% – 90% of the input cost of biodiesel production is vegetable oil, like canola and soy oil. And vegetable oil is currently selling at a price equivalent of between $180-$190 per barrel. This is an increase is due to speculation, not market demand. Global demand for consumable veg oils has risen at a consistent 3% level for over two decades and continues at this level. There has not been a significant demand increase, or supply decrease, that explain the price run up in veg oils. Commodities across the board have risen at the same pace- petroleum, minerals, and all agricultural products. On the upside, current economics benefit USA farm communities.

Propel is dedicated to providing the most sustainable and renewable fuels that meet our cost and quality standards. We are working hard to open markets for new feedstocks and technologies that offer viable alternatives to petroleum. Together with you, we are pioneering new ground, creating economic opportunities, and building a sustainable future for our children. We will keep you informed as biodiesel prices change. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to write us. Thank you for your commitment to clean and renewable biodiesel.

We’d also like to credit Becky Lyle, a WA small farm owner, and NW Biodiesel Network, for the ongoing discussion of feedstock costs. Join the NW Biodiesel Network email list, visit http://www.nwbiodiesel.org/mail_list.htm.

Safeway Goes Biodiesel

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Safeway has boldly chosen to become one of the nation’s first major retailers to convert its fleet to clean burning biodiesel. No doubt the benefits of biodiesel were hard for the Pleasonton, California-based company to ignore.

In addition to improved engine performance, less harmful emissions, and a fuel source that isn’t tied to the volatility of the Middle East, none of the company’s 1,000 fleet vehicles will require any major mechanical conversion as biodiesel performs exceptionally well in any diesel motor.

For more information click here.

Propel Biofuels Announces New CEO

Propel Biofuels Annouces New CEO

Propel Biofuels, a Seattle based biodiesel retailer and solutions provider, has hired David O’Neal as their new CEO. Mr. O’Neal was previously Founder & CEO of PowerTech Group, a world leader in iSeries Security Software. Before founding PowerTech, O’Neal worked in logistics as General Manager of Mark VII-Seattle, and served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Tolan O’Neal.

“I am excited to be able to use my experience in technology and logistics to do something that helps the environment and moves this country closer to fuel independence,” says O’Neal.

“We’re proud to have David leading our team. His startup and operational experience is a real asset as we ramp up our growth” Says Rob Elam, Propel’s Founder and President.

“We will open an additional 10-15 locations in Western Washington by this fall, along with entering the Bay Area and LA markets. We have exciting products in the pipeline that will change the customer fueling experience and find a home for the massive amount of biodiesel being produced.” O’Neal added.

Propel Biofuels is a privately-held biodiesel company committed to serving its customers with the highest-quality biodiesel fuel and professional support. Propel opened the first public biodiesel fueling station to pump Seattle-produced biodiesel and Propel’s fuel stations continue to sell biodiesel to more individual drivers than any other brand in the U.S. In addition, Propel has worked with influential organizations including: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, City of Seattle, City of San Francisco, King County Metro Transit, and the State of Washington on biodiesel quality standards and implementation strategies.

“The Puget Sound region is a national leader in adopting biodiesel fuel, and with David on board we’ll ensure its long term staying power,” says Rob Elam, “By offering consumer access to biofuels, we all can help contribute to fight against global warming, the reduction of toxic emissions, and the progress of a sustainable, local energy economy.”

Now Playing: Freedom Fuels

Our friend Martin O’Brien has released his new film, Freedom Fuels, as a free download on the internet.

PBS: Edens Lost and Found

The PBS series Edens Lost and Found aired the hometown Seattle episode tonight. See the teaser here. While overly romanticizing the ruined opportunity for transit that was the $100 million waste called the Seattle Monorail Project, the episode is otherwise well done, emphasizing Seattle’s green aspirations. The biodiesel segment is excellent. The Seattle biodiesel community has done more to mitigate CO2 emissions and empower real change than the Monorail Project could engineer. And that lack of imagination, powered by greed, is what separates true citizen powered change from the wolf in sheep’s clothing that was the Monorail political animal. Hard work and transparency, openness and cooperation as demonstrated by Lyle, articulated by Tom K, and Tom Marier at Propel’s Laurelhurst location, and the balanced ambition of Seattle Biodiesel’s growth, are proof that ground up energy can affect positive change. Real change is hard work. Go Seattle!

Big Oil = Marlboro Man

One of our favorite mutterings around Propel is “Asking Big Oil to solve your petroleum problem is like asking the Marlboro Man to solve your smoking problem.” Rob even mentioned it in his Grist interview.

This is not the far-fetched analogy it may seem, as this RJR ad shows (after the ’64 Surgeon General’s Warning was announced)

An Inconvenient Truth on DVD

Al Gore’s climate crisis movie is now out on DVD, so you can NetFlix it the comfort of your own home. Al appeared on Jay Leno last night and joked that the DVD included extra scenes, including “hot glacier on glacier action.”

Politics: Biodiesel is a Winner

Supporters often point to the bipartisan nature of biodiesel politics. Good for blues, good for reds. I suppose that makes Propel solidly purple. Two WA incumbent candidates, both in tough races, made appearances at Propel retail grand openings- and you betcha, they both won reelection.

Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell has been a long time supporter of biodiesel and Propel. Maria held a press conference at our first retail outlet announcing legislation supporting biodiesel additions to the 2005 Energy Bill.

Congressman Dave Reichert, Republican from WA 8th district (eastern suburban district of Seattle metro region), and past King County Sheriff (his team solved the most notorious serial killer case in history- the Green River Killer). Dave joined us at the grand opening of our Issaquah Grange location.

Congratulations to both. And a message to aspiring politicians: Biodiesel is good for you.

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Left to right: Sen Cantwell and Propel’s Rob Elam at Laurelhurst, Congressman Dave Reichert at Issaquah Grange.

Al Gore Approves, Biodiesel Excites Student Frenzy

Frank Paganelli, Propel Biofuels General Counsel and Director of Political Affairs, joined a prestigious panel to discuss the impact of climate change on small business. The environmental and energy forum, sponsored by Seattle University Young Democrats, featured Al Gore, Senator Maria Cantwell, Rep Norm Dicks, Seattle Mayor Greg Nichols, Congressional candidate Darcy Burner and KC Golden, of Olympia based non-profit Climate Solutions.

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Left to right: KC Golden, Maria Cantwell, Al Gore, Norm Dicks, Frank Paganelli

Real People Using Biodiesel: Video Testimonials

Back in September of 2005, Propel asked our friend and filmmaker, Riley Morton, to interview biodiesel drivers at Laurelhurst Oil, the first Propel retail location. We talked with the typical wide range of biodiesers- individuals, small business owners, fleet drivers, a construction crew… only a few folks had time to film with us. To see more, visit the Propel site. (and note the old logo- we like our updated “bug” much better!)

Biodiesel: Business as a Force for Change

Rob Elam, Principal of Propel Biofuels, is a featured InterActivist at Grist Magazine.

Testing Topics

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Make Magazine: On Biodiesel

Make: 03.

To understand biodiesel quality differences, it pays to know the details. Rob Elam gives the recipe for making home-made new energy in MAKE Magazine: Making Biodiesel

Make Podcast
Hosted by: Phillip Torrone, Associate Editor MAKE Magazine.
Show details: 27 minutes, 17MB, MP3.

In this Make audio show- we interview Rob Elam and talk about all things Biodiesel, what it is, how it’s made, the efficiencies and more! Biodiesel is a clean-burning, domestically-produced fuel derived from a variety of renewable agricultural resources such as soybeans or mustard seed. It can be burned in any conventional diesel engine either in pure form or in a blend of any proportion with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel delivers equivalent engine performance while substantially decreasing harmful emissions.

Make magazine Propel Biodiesel