I thought it would be the SVO (straight vegetable oil) that would create
the french fry odor/aroma.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetable_oil_used_as_fuel

THOSE WHO MAKE THEIR OWN ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY GAS CAN AVOID PAIN AT THE PUMP
BUT NOT THE TAXES.

A price to pay for alternative fuels

BRUCE HENDERSON

bhenderson@charlotteobserver.com

Bob Teixeira re-applies a sticker touting an alternative fuel he uses in his
car. He plans to fight to change fuel-tax laws that have hit his wallet.

Bob Teixeira decided it was time to take a stand against U.S. dependence on
foreign oil.

So last fall the Charlotte musician and guitar instructor spent $1,200 to
convert his 1981 diesel Mercedes to run on vegetable oil. He bought soybean
oil in 5-gallon jugs at Costco, spending about 30 percent more than diesel
would cost.

His reward, from a state that heavily promotes alternative fuels: a $1,000
fine last month for not paying motor fuel taxes.

He's been told to expect another $1,000 fine from the federal government.

And to legally use veggie oil, state officials told him, he would have to
first post a $2,500 bond.

Teixeira is one of a growing number of fuel-it-yourselfers -- backyard
brewers who recycle restaurant grease or make moonshine for their car tanks.
They do it to save money, reduce pollution or thumb their noses at oil
sheiks.

They're also caught in a web of little-known state laws that can stifle
energy independence.

State Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson, is known around Raleigh for his diesel
Volkswagen fueled by used soybean oil. The car sports a "Goodbye, OPEC"
sign.

"If somebody was going to go to this much trouble to drive around in a car
that uses soybean oil, they ought to be exempt" from state taxes, he said.
The N.C. Department of Revenue, which fined Teixeira, has asked legislators
to waive the $2,500 bond for small fuel users. The department also told
Teixeira, after the Observer asked about his case this week, that it will
compromise on his fine.

But officials say they'll keep pursuing taxes on all fuels used in highway
vehicles. With its 29.9-cent a gallon gas tax, the state collects $1.2
billion each year to pay for road construction.

"With the high cost of fuel right now, the department does recognize that a
lot of people are looking for relief," said Reggie Little, assistant
director of the motor fuel taxes division. "We're not here to hurt the small
guy, we're just trying to make sure that the playing field is level."

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