N.C. Gets alternative Fuel only station.

A car dealer opened the state's first station to sell only alternative fuels.

The station owned by Bill Smith sells two types of ethanol and a biodiesel mixture that can be used by most diesel engeines.

"We're much too dependent on foreigh oil," said Smeith, who also owns a Ford dealership in Sorthern Pines. "These fuels are certainly not a complete fix. But it's a great band aid for teh immediate future."

The etehanol costs a dime less per gallon Wednesday than regular unleaded gas. Last year, the gap was 25 cents, but ethanol supplies have tightened in recent months. said Ray Thomans, a Shelby-based distributor who supplies Smith's station.

North Carolina governments began experimentings with the use of alternative fuels in 1990. The state's motor fleet now includes more than 5,500 cars and trucks that use ethanol or compressed natural gas.

At least two companies plan to build to start making ethanol at plants in eastern North Carolina by the end of 2007.

Some retailers are leery of alternative fuels, particularly ethanol. Gasohol, an ethanol mix sold after an Arab oil embargo 30 years ago drove up prices, caused problems with cars not builldt to run on the fuel.

Gary Harris of the N.C. Petroleum Marketers Association also said that ethanol delilivers up to 25 percent fewer miles per gallon. (Web Master Note: What other kind of comment would he have? He works for the competition...)