Gov. Eric Holcombs first executive order of the year will ease restrictions on hours of service for truck drivers who deliver the fuel.

Industry experts say the problem is not a supply shortage, but a lack of availability at local terminals due to the high demand.

State officials say the cleaner-burning fuel will decrease children's exposure to particulate matter and lower maintenance costs.

The competitive grant program, operated by the state Office of Energy Development, will dole out shares from a $300,000 pool of state money.