News Archive - 03/2010

Colorado Opens First Blender Pump Facility

The opening of Colorado’s first ethanol blender pump celebrated with a grand opening event from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 8. E20, E40, and E85 was offered at the Stratton Equity Coop station at 515 Lincoln Street in Burlington, Colorado.

station sold 512 gallons of the blended fuels at 99-cents a gallon to drivers of flexible fuel vehicles. “It says a lot that the first blender pump is opening in Burlington and in the heart of corn country,” said Rick Palkowitsh, who farms near the community. “As a farmer, I am excited we will be the first city in Colorado offering new technology to encourage the use of renewable fuels by motorists. This blender pump will give consumers more choices as to the type of fuel they choose.” Palkowitsh also chairs Colorado Corn’s Market Development Action Team.

Dan Slinger, general manager of Stratton Equity Co-op, is excited to have the first blender pump in Burlington. Many of the co-op’s members grow corn. “We’re marketing about three million bushels of our members’ corn that’s going into ethanol production,” said Slinger.

This event was sponsored by Stratton Equity Coop, Little John’s Equipment Company, Growth Energy and Colorado Corn. Currently, there are more than 100 E85 pumps in Colorado.

Gilbarco Expands Standard Fuel Dispenser Warranty From E10 to E15

Gilbarco Veeder-Root has upgraded the warranty on its standard fuel dispensers to cover use of ethanol content up to E15. Gilbarco is the first supplier in the industry to announce this change for fuel dispensers that are under warranty in the field. These dispensers are currently Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved for ethanol up to E10 under the UL 87 standard.

“We are pleased to lead the market with the expansion of our current warranty from E10 to E15, ensuring that our cutestomers are covered if the current E10 standard is broadened to E15,” said Richard Browne, Vice-President Marketing, North America at Gilbarco Veeder-Root. “Our standard fuel dispenser models, currently UL listed to 10% ethanol, will now carry a warranty for up to 15% ethanol. This change is retroactive to Gilbarco® dispensers manufactured or commissioned in North America since April 1, 2008. Models include the Gilbarco Encore® and Legacy® series dispensers, as well as the Gasboy® Atlas® product line.”

“Our customers can be confident that Gilbarco and Gasboy will honor warranty claims and otherwise support the dispensers they have recently purchased or are considering, should the blending standards change to E15,” Browne said.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root is the industry’s leader in alternative fuels dispensing technology with a full range of flexible fuel solutions. Earlier this month, the company obtained UL and National Conference on Weights and Measures approval for 19 Gilbarco Encore flexible fuel dispenser models for use with blends up to E25.

New Study Shows E20 Reduces Tailpipe Emissions and Has No Impact on Drivability

Source: Growth Energy

A newly-released Rochester Institute of Technology study shows that E20 — a blend of 20-percent ethanol with gasoline — has no measurable impact on vehicle drivability or durability, and lower tailpipe emissions compared to conventional gasoline. Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, said today that this study proves the value of moving to higher blends of ethanol in the country's fuel supply.

The study was conducted by RIT's Center of Integrated Manufacturing Studies. Using a 10-vehicle fleet owned and operated by Monroe County, N.Y., researchers fueled the vehicles — all with older gasoline engines not specifically designed to burn ethanol blends — over the accumulation of at least 100,000 miles per vehicle. Researchers found that the fleet showed an average reduction of 23 percent for carbon monoxide and a 13 percent reduction for hydrocarbon emissions, with no measurable stress on vehicle operation or mechanics.

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Federal Funding Sought for Ethanol Pipeline

Source: Omaha World Herald

Terry, R-Neb., and Boswell, D-Iowa, recently introduced a bill that would provide federal loan guarantees for the massive $3.5 billion, 1,800-mile project guarantees that the project's backers say are critical to making it a reality.

Terry said the bill would extend to ethanol pipelines the same types of federal loan guarantees available to oil and gas pipeline projects.

“It's only fair,'' Terry said during a press conference with Boswell at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, a Bluffs ethanol producer.

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South Dakota Offers Federal Stimulus Money for Blender Pumps

The state of South Dakota has recently established a new program that will provide a $10,000 grant to assist with offsetting the costs of installing blender pump equipment at retail fueling sites that dispense blends of 15%, 30% and 85% ethanol. The program will only be available for 60 days beginning March 17 until close of business May 21st, 2010 on a first come, first served basis.

The grant money is only for the pumps and the associated hardware. Storage tanks, either above or below ground, and other infrastructure items are not eligible. Projects must be completed by December to get the reimbursement.

Information on the South Dakota grant program can be found by clickinghere while the application can be found here.

Should you have an interest in adding a blender pump to your station or converting an existing pump to a blender pump system, the Growth Energy Market Development team urges you to review the above links and at your earliest convenience, contact your equipment supplier.

Each station can also take advantage of the Federal income tax credit. You can find information on how use this credit by clicking here.

"We hope that you will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to offset a significant portion of the costs associated with the sale of the nation's future liquid fuels: E15, E30, and E85," noted VP of Market Development for Growth Energy, Phil Lampert.

For questions regarding installing a blender pump in any state, contact the Market Development office at 1-877-485-8595.

Growth Energy Holds First Executive Leadership Conference

Growth Energy hosted its first-ever Executive Leadership Conference earlier this month in Phoenix, Arizona. The two-day conference was designed to bring Growth Energy members together in order to assess the state of the organization as well as the state of the ethanol industry. The conference featured four roundtables with moderators and guest speakers that included Growth Energy board members, ethanol producers, sports figures and former members of Congress.

The first discussion centered around national security implications of continuing America's dependence on foreign oil. The panel featured Gen. Wesley Clark, Co-Chairman of Growth Energy, and Dr. Gal Luft, Executive Director for the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security.

"Today, oil is the most strategic commodity in the world and it controls the world's economy," said Dr. Luft. "If we want to preserve the future of this country we need to give consumers a choice at the filling station. Giving consumers a choice means that oil can no longer control prices and we will begin to grow a competitive market for ethanol."

Navigating Congress and the political landscape during an election year was the focus of a bipartisan roundtable discussion held on day two of the conference. Karen Hughes, a former advisor to President George W. Bush, and Josh Gottheimer, a former advisor to President Bill Clinton, were featured on the panel.

"The people in this room have the ability to create American jobs that cannot be outsourced and that's a powerful message," Hughes said.

The global market for ethanol was the subject of the third roundtable discussion on the final day of Growth Energy's Executive Leadership Conference.

The roundtable was moderated by Dave Vander Griend, President and CEO of ICM, Inc., and featured remarks by, Dr. Peder Holk Nielsen, Executive Vice President of Novozymes, Ken Field, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GreenField Ethanol, and Ian O'Gara, Manager of Accenture Biofuels Group.

Topics for discussion included how ethanol and biofuels can create positive change throughout the world, and how pressures between global trade, a growing global population and agricultural resources will be balanced in Washington, DC, and in other national capitals.

The final roundtable of the conference presented members of Growth Energy with a detailed presentation about the future market outlook for grain, ethanol and distillers from experts during the fourth and final roundtable discussion at the Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference.
Each discussion was engaging and informative and the ideas and suggestions generated during these roundtables and presentations will help define Growth Energy's policy objectives and strategies over the next year.

At the conclusion of all four discussions, CEO Tom Buis said, "We are very grateful to all of the moderators and speakers for leading intelligent and thought provoking roundtable discussions, but even more, we are thankful to have members that are deeply committed to the fight for renewable, sustainable ethanol."

Growth Energy Addresses Attendees at Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition Workshop

Over 80 individuals attended an informative workshop on domestically produced biofuels on March 17 at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center in Dothan, Alabama. The workshop featured national biofuel experts offering insights into current and future applications for biofuels in Alabama, including biodiesel, ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), and propane, and electricity.

The workshop coordinated by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition first included sessions from state leaders and local representatives. Following, a representative from the Boone Pickens Company, Clean Energy Fuels, highlighted the benefits of CNG as a motor fuel. Alliance AutoGas and Blossman Gas joined with CleanFuelUSA to answer the question of why propane is the right choice right now for motor fuel use. Perspectives on the use and quality of ethanol and biodiesel were provided by national representatives from Growth Energy and the Renewable Energy Group.

"The workshop provided attendees the opportunity to learn about all types of alternative fuels," noted Market Development Manager, Michelle Kautz. "I focused on how Growth Energy can assist retailers in installing E85 and blender pump equipment. I also announced the availability of the $2,500 and $5,000 grants that we are offering across the U.S." (See information in introduction of this newsletter regarding funding).

The workshop was designed to appeal to a broad audience. Among the many groups that attended the event for its relevant and practical information represented city, county, and other governmental agencies and officials; fuel producers, distributors, and retailers; school districts, colleges, and universities; fleet and transportation managers; the media; and interested consumers.

Member Spotlight — MFA Oil Company

MFA Oil Company is a farmer-owned cooperative formed in 1929 with more than 40,000 members. The company supplies fuels, lubricants and propane to customers in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa. Through a subsidiary, MFA Oil operates Break Time convenience stores in Missouri and Arkansas and Jiffy Lube and Big O Tire franchises in central Missouri.

"MFA Oil Company is committed to helping to do our part to support and grow the usage of higher blends of ethanol, this is why we initially joined Growth Energy Market Development." says Tom May, Director of Marketing for MFA Oil.

MFA Oil currently offers E10 in all of 166 PetroCard 24 unmanned fueling locations as well as 79 Break Time convenience stores. MFA Oil offers E85 at 29 of the PetroCard 24 locations in Missouri, Arkansas and Iowa and 22 Break Time locations in Missouri. The company currently has plans to add a blender pump this year through a pilot program with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Corn Growers Association.

"As a Farmer Cooperative it is part of their mission to support our farmer members and in turn support homegrown fuels such as ethanol," noted May.

MFA Oil Company has long been an advocate for ethanol, selling a 10% blend of ethanol in all of our gasoline for the past decade. They believe that ethanol not only brings a better value and helps lower the cost of gasoline to our customers but the positive economic impact back to our rural economies is significant.

MFA Oil installed their first E85 pump in Columbia, Missouri in 2004 and over the next couple of years grew that number to 25 locations. In 2006 through a partnership with Mid Missouri Energy of Malta Bend, Missouri they were able to quickly grow the number of installations while maintaining a 20 percent discount to regular gasoline. They had to make sure that customers that were trying E85 found a value and consistency in the price in order to establish a market.

May went on, "Through a marketing and education program, we found that E85 customers found value beyond just the price at the pump. They knew that they were making a choice to support local farmers and the local economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Infrastructure is one of the greatest challenges we face towards growth and acceptance of higher blends of ethanol. The fuel industry is a volume driven industry so installing pumps that do not initially get as much volume as a regular gasoline pump is a tough sell, however higher blends of ethanol has reduced the price at the pump which boosts volume which in turn encourages companies to consider the investment. The IRS has hindered infrastructure growth by its interpretation of the tax credit that is available. On top of that Underwriters Laboratory has been slow to approve equipment. We have to knock down these barriers so that there is an incentive to put pumps in areas where there is a high density of flexible fuel vehicles."

Growth Energy Offers 2010 E85/Blender Pump Brochure

UPDATE: This brochure is out of print. For the most up-to-date information about FFV and E85 compatibility, visit the Flexible Fuel Vehicles section in the navigation to the left. To order other brochures, visit the Growth Energy store.

The new 2010 E85 and Blender Pump brochure is now available. The six panel brochure includes frequently asked questions on E85 and FFVs. The entire inside of the brochure includes a matrix-like listing of FFVs offered since 1995.

These new brochures are a great marketing source for an E85 retailer to inform customers of which vehicles are E85 compatible. Cost for these brochures are $0.25 each for members of Growth Energy and $0.40 for non-members. To order your brochures, which are listed as Item #1 on the order forms, click here.

Green Rest Stops Planned in Ohio

According to the Associated Press, the Ohio Turnpike Commission has announced plans to open up two "green" rest areas, powered by renewable energy such as wind or solar power and they will carry E85.

The new service plazas will be built on both sides of the turnpike in Ohio's Williams County. Along with E85, the facilities will allow for recharging of electric cars and cable and Internet hookups for parked trucks. The stops will also feature gas pumps, restrooms, restaurants and gift shops. The new facilities should open next year.

Currently, Ohio has 64 E85 locations throughout the state. Although details have not yet been released, the Ohio Department of Development will be offering grants to assist with additional E85 retail infrastructure. These funds are allocated for the current state budget ending in July 2011.

New and Renewed Growth Energy Market Development Members

Plymouth Energy
Choctaw Coal & Energy
Classic Car Spa
Silco Oil Co.

Should you wish to join Growth Energy, contact marketdevelopment@growthenergy.org.

New E85 and Blender Pump Stations

As of this publication, there are 2,115 E85 stations including 132 blenderpumps. Below is a listing of those opened since our last publication.

If you know of an E85 station we do not have listed at http://www.e85refueling.com/, please contactus at marketdevelopment@growthenergy.org.

Daryl Hannah and her ethanol-powered ‘Kill Bill’ car appear downtown

Source: Santa Cruz Sentinal

SANTA CRUZ -— Daryl Hannah stopped downtown Tuesday at the community television studio, bringing with her the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am she drove in Kill Bill.'

The actress and environmental activist appeared with local ecologist David Blume on Community TV's live call-in show "Eco-Review" to promote ethanol as an alternative energy source.

"Many, if not most, of the problems we face as a species come from the way that we produce our energy," Hannah said.

Last year she had the sports car converted to run off 85 percent ethanol, or E85, a move she says rebuts concerns from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about using higher blends of ethanol.

Federal regulations limit the amount of ethanol per gallon of gas to 10 percent. The EPA is considering a waiver that would allow states to mandate an increase in the maximum alcohol fuel blend to 15 percent nationwide. Opponents of the E15 waiver cite safety concerns, namely corrosion and overheating, and some are skeptical of ethanol's environmental benefits.

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Gilbarco Veeder-Root Introduces Flexible Fuel Ethanol/Gas Dispenser

Source: Gilbarco Veeder-Root

Gilbarco Veeder-Root has announced the release of the newest Ethanol dispenser in the Encore® S fuel dispenser product line. The model NJ2 flexible fuel dispenser is a multi-hose blender that offers four fuel products at the same fueling position: regular unleaded, premium unleaded, mid-level ethanol blend and E85.

Each fuel product has its own hose, allowing maximum flexibility for the marketer. Separate hoses are required for ethanol-gasoline blended fuels of different ratios in some states, and the flexible fuel NJ2 is the industry's first flexible fuel model to offer this configuration (UL approval pending). The new flexible fuel NJ2 features the same warranty and CRIND® options as the other Encore S models, including PCI and EMV-compliant payment systems and Applause&™ Media System.

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Actress Daryl Hannah Speaks Out for Ethanol Blends

Source: DomesticFuel.com

Daryl Hannah has changed her hat, per se, and along with the promotion of biodiesel, she is now promoting higher blends of ethanol. On Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Hannah’s ‘79 Pontiac Trans-Am, that was featured in the movie “Kill Bill,” will be featured in the TV showEcoReview. The Topic is The Greening of the Auto Industry: from Paint to Fuel and the host of the program is Tom Harvey. The show will take viewers though how alcohol fuel is produced and used around the world for transportation, cooking and heating. In addition, the program will highlight a new California certified smog station test that recently compared unleaded gas emissions to those of E10, E15 and E85. For those unable to get the show, you can watch it here.

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New E85 and Blender Pump Stations

As of this publication, there are 2,113 E85 stations including 132 blender pumps. Below is a listing of those opened since our last publication.

If you know of an E85 station we do not have listed at http://www.e85refueling.com/, please contact us at marketdevelopment@growthenergy.org.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Growth Energy and our partners have established a financial assistance fund that may be accessed by retail sites to assist with offsetting a portion of the cost of installation of new flexible fuel pumps. Rather than just talk about them, we're going to assist with paying for them! Our primary objective is to assist with the installation of systems that will dispense E10, E20, E30 and E85. To discuss the availability of the program and your interest in participation, please contact Phil Lampert atPlampert@growthenergy.org or 573-635-8445 ext. 11.

New and Renewed Growth Energy Market Development Members

Caglalan, Inc.
Dresser Wayne
Harms Oil Company
Max Arnold & Sons, LLC
Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition

Should you wish to join Growth Energy, contactmarketdevelopment@growthenergy.org.

Growth Energy Board Member Goes Fishin’ and Promotes Ethanol

General Manager of Siouxland Energy and Livestock Coop and a board member of Growth Energy, Bernie Punt, was recently asked to fish with the producer of the TV show, "Fishing the Midwest", Bob Jensen. Jensen, is an advocate for ethanol and wanted to educate viewers on the importance of the renewable product and the benefits it provides.

Punt caught walleyes, perch, and smallmouth bass on Waubay Lake in South Dakota while he spoke about the alternative fuel,"While we were fishing, we discussed how ethanol helps keep our environment clean and healthy, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and creates 1000's of jobs in the US. Increasing ethanol production will not be bad for the environment as many currently think. We are no longer using harmful herbicides that harm the environment, but that are chemically friendly. Streams and lakes have been cleaner than before. This is farmers' and ethanol producers' livelihood."

To see this full episode of "Fishing the Midwest", click here.

Growth Energy Admitted to PEI

Growth Energy is now an official member of the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI), the leading authority for petroleum and energy handling equipment.

The Petroleum Equipment Institute is a trade association whose members manufacture, distribute and service petroleum marketing and liquid-handling equipment. Founded in 1951, PEI represents more than 1,600 member companies located in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. Members include manufacturers, sellers and installers of equipment used in service stations, terminals, bulk plants, fuel, oil and gasoline delivery, and similar petroleum marketing operations.

Growth Energy Market Development will work closely with PEI on updates on E85 and blender equipment.

South Dakota Passes Blender Pump Legislation

A bill that will allow $1 million to retailers in the State of South Dakota to install ethanol blender pumps has passed legislation. House Bill 1192 will use funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The prime sponsor of the bill was Representative Mitch Fargen and the Governor of South Dakota is expected to sign the bill soon.

Up to $10,000 can be used at each fueling facility to install blends of ethanol up to E85, but must be used between April 1 and May 28. Stations are allowed to use more than $10,000 if installing more than one blender pump.

As first reported by the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, Owen Jones, a farmer and rancher from Britton, South Dakota said, "With the incentives outlined in HB 1192, the State of South Dakota can play a significant role in getting the proper distribution system in place for the future of renewable fuels. Instead of dispensing one product, five different products can be dispensed from one pump. Another reason I am very supportive of this Bill is the fact that this legislation is not only good for the ethanol industry, but it is good for our nation. We need to rid ourselves of the addiction on foreign oil and change to a renewable fuel system which our nation controls."

South Dakota currently has about 40 ethanol blender pumps throughout the state and nearly 100 E85 stations. For a complete listing of E85 and blender pump stations throughout the U.S., go to www.E85Refueling.com.

Growth Energy Now Offering Blender Pump Financial Support

Growth Energy's Market Development team is now offering funding to retailers to assist in ethanol blender pump infrastructure. Grants of $2,500 and $5,000 are now available on a first come, first serve basis to vendors who wish to install new or convert existing equipment for ethanol fueling. These grants are in addition to any Federal or state grants or incentives a retailer may be eligible.

"There are over 8 million flexible fuel vehicles across the country with more being produced in each model year. Unfortunately, of the 161,000 gasoline stations in the U.S. only 2,200 offer E85 where FFVs may fuel up with a high level blend of domestic, renewable fuel such at 85% ethanol . . . another 133 offer mid-level blends," said Growth Energy Market Development VP, Phil Lampert. "Growth Energy is pleased to offer this assistance to retailers across the nation and we hope that they avail themselves of this unique opportunity."

Growth Energy can also offer pump imaging and technical assistance along with the grants. You can find the two page outline of the Infrastructure Development Program by clicking here. To apply for the funding, click here. For questions regarding the program, please contact the Market Development office at (573) 635-8445.

Dresser Wayne Ovation Series E25 Approved Through UL

Source: Dresser Wayne

Dresser Wayne, a global leader in vehicle energy dispensing technologies, has announced the Ovation Eco Fuel model dispenser has been certified by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for use with ethanol blends up to E25. The new approval by UL comes as the market prepares for possible changes in U.S. federal energy policy that would shift the standard gasoline blend from the current E10 to higher levels of ethanol. The Dresser Wayne Ovation Eco Fuel dispenser helps retailers address the growing consumer demand for domestically produced, environmentally friendly fuels while managing their longer-term forecourt investments.

"Motorists continue to call for greener fueling solutions and retailers are demanding technologies that will help them stay in front of the market opportunity while managing regulatory changes," noted Scott Negley, Director of Alternative Energy Products at Dresser Wayne who also sits on the Growth Energy Market Development Advisory Committee. "Our Eco Fuel dispenser is in use across North America and is designed to handle the higher blends without modifications."

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Missouri Offers Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit

Source: Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Business owners who invest in alternative fuel infrastructure projects in Missouri may be eligible for a new state tax credit. For the 2009 through 2011 tax years, eligible applicants who install and operate alternative fuel vehicle refueling property may be allowed a credit for the tax year when the infrastructure was constructed.

The credit allowed per applicant cannot exceed the lesser of $20,000 or 20 percent of the costs of purchase and installation of alternative fuel storage and dispensing equipment.

Costs typically covered by the credit are for the equipment and construction costs associated with storage tanks, piping and pumps for alternative fuels such as E85, biodiesel, and propane. Costs for property, land or buildings are not included in the credit.

Any eligible applicant desiring to file for a tax credit must submit an application for certification with the Department of Natural Resources. The department will review the applications and certify to the Department of Revenue each eligible applicant that qualifies for the credit. A project owner must receive certification before the credit can be filed for on a Missouri tax return.

Additional information, including a factsheet and form to certify eligibility are available by visiting the department's Division of Energy Web page at.www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/transportation/Missouri-AFITC.htm

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Pilot Celebrates New Ethanol Purchase Locations With Discounts

Source: TruckingInfo.com

On Friday, four Tennessee Pilot locations offered special pricing on Ethanol 85 as part of its introduction of two new east Tennessee purchase locations for the alternative fuel. Pilot has added new pumps at the Strawberry Plains Pike and Crossville locations in East Tennessee and at I-40 exit 172 in Dickson, Tenn.

"On Friday customers purchased E85 for 85 cents a gallon at four Pilot locations in East Tennessee," said Jimmy Haslam, CEO of Pilot Travel Centers. "We want to let our customers know that we are making clean-burning E85 fuel available in additional locations throughout Tennessee."

E85 contains 85 percent ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, which helps reduce air pollution, is biodegradable and does not pollute groundwater.

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Report, Authored by Former OPEC Official, Overlooks Value of Domestically-Produced Ethanol

Source: Growth Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, issued the following statement in response to a Biofuels Assessment Report commissioned by the International Energy Forum (IEF) that is critical of domestic biofuels. The report, "Biofuels: Potential and Limitations," was written by Claude Mandil, former IEA executive director and Adnad Shihab-Eldin, former acting secretary general of OPEC.

“This IEF biofuels report ignores the devastating impact of foreign oil on America’s energy security and economy. It appears these authors would rather have us maintain the status quo and keep our addiction to oil - no matter what the cost to our economy in money we send overseas, no matter what the cost to our environment and no matter what the cost to our national security,” said Tom Buis, Growth Energy CEO.

“The authors overlook the value of domestically-produced ethanol. The truth is that grain ethanol is a low carbon fuel that is 59 percent cleaner than gasoline and can play a significant role in cleaning the air, invigorating our economy, and securing our shores, all while creating U.S. jobs.”

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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Says He’s Optimistic E15 Will Receive Federal Approval

Source: Edmunds.com

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilscak said today that all signs point to federal approval of E15 - an ethanol-containing automotive fuel that's 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline.

"I am optimistic on E15 because there has been some indication from the Department of Energy that in their tests of newer-model vehicles with E15, it does not create any problems," Vilsack told reporters after testifying at a Senate Appropriations hearing today. "I think that's a good sign."

Facing saturation of their market at today's allowed blending level, ethanol producers have lobbied hard for U.S. EPA to allow gas stations to mix more ethanol into petroleum fuels. Regulations now restrict ethanol in gasoline to no more than 10 percent.

Biofuels advocate Growth Energy petitioned EPA last year to raise the "blend wall" for gasoline. EPA officials delayed a final decision on the fuel last December but said that if tests remained supportive, they may approve E15 for newer cars by mid-2010.

EPA and Transportation Department researchers are conducting tests on the fuel, including tests to see if it works well in vehicle engines.

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Growth Energy Responds to KSTP News Broadcast

Source: Growth Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, issued the following statement in response to a story aired Monday night on Minneapolis TV station KSTP that examined Minnesota’s effort to increase the amount of domestic, renewable, clean-burning ethanol blended into gasoline.

“We have a great story to tell in ethanol. Expanding the production and consumption of domestic ethanol creates jobs, cleans the air and strengthens America’s national security. Unfortunately, anyone who only caught the first part of last night’s segment on KSTP-TV only heard one side of the story,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.

“First, the report overlooks the science supporting the use of E15. Growth Energy’s Green Jobs Waiver, seeking an increase in the blend from E10 to E15, included more supporting science by independent, government and academic bodies than any of the previous 11 waivers approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

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New E85 and Blender Pump Stations

As of this publication, there are 2,108 E85 stations. Below is a listing of those opened since our last publication.

If you know of an E85 station we do not have listed at http://www.e85refueling.com/, please contact us at marketdevelopment@growthenergy.org.

Member Spotlight — Croton on Hudson

Jim Foley and Miguel Suaza, partners of Croton on Hudson, have always been environmentally savvy. Prior to opening their E85 fueling facility 67 Croton Point Ave. in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, they partnered with New York State Energy Research (NYSERDA) and Development Authority to install a 15kW solar system on the station's canopy.

"The reason we installed ethanol into our facility is because of the environmental benefits for the community, it also seemed to be a great business opportunity," said Foley. "The station differentiated ourselves from our direct competitors and most regional gas stations. The nearest station selling E85 is nearly 15 miles away."

Foley noted that he feels the most challenging aspect of the growth of alternative fuels, E85 and FFV's is, from a station owner's point of view, the cost of installation of the product. He explained it takes a vast personal commitment of resources to get E85 to the customer. This is why E85 retailers must view their gasoline business completely different.

Foley went on, "I would like to encourage every gas station owner to consider the profit potential of being the only retailer in their area with biofuel. . . The benefits are not immediate. But you will be future proofing your business. As gasoline volumes continue to drop and pump prices escalate, the customers in your market will have an alternative. They will value and appreciate that option E85 gives them."

The Croton on Hudson Gulf station three grades of gasoline, E10, E85 and biodiesel. For a complete list of E85 stations click here.

New or Renewed Growth Energy Members

Campbell Oil Co.
B&R Stores
Mighty Joe's
Petro Serve

Should you wish to join Growth Energy, contact marketdevelopment@growthenergy.org.

Propel Fuels Offers E85 for 85 Cents Throughout Sacramento

E85 sold for 85 cents a gallon on Wednesday, February 24 at five Propel stations throughout California. Facilities in Sacramento, Rocklin, Citrus Heights and Elk Grove held a promotion from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in partnership with CALSTART.

The event's intent was to educate Sacramento drivers and bring new FFV owners to Propel stations. The event had media coverage from all local broadcast affiliates, as well as the key daily and business publications in the area.

Propel is fuel retailer focused solely on the alternative fuel market. Chris LaPlante Marketing Director, Propel Fuels said, "The customer turnout exceeded our expectations with over 400 hundred participants in the E85 promotion across five locations. These customers reduced approximately 30,000 lbs of CO2 that day, and saved over $10,000 at the pump. What a day!"

"Given the cost savings and carbon reductions our fleet has realized through Propel's Sacramento stations, we are looking forward to broader statewide access from Propel," said Larry Paris, Fleet Manager, Sacramento District of the U.S. Postal Service. "Working with Propel to identify future locations that best serve our fleet is vital to meeting the renewable fuel goals of the U.S. Postal Service."

Matt Horton, CEO of Propel noted, "Consumers and fleets see considerable savings at the pump by using E85, and reduce dependence on foreign oil," said Matt Horton, CEO of Propel. "Propel's average E85 price is $.50 per gallon lower than gasoline, so checking your car's Flex Fuel compatibility can lead to significant savings at the pump."

Growth Energy Welcomes New Market Development Advisory Committee Members

Growth Energy would like to welcome two new members to our Market Development Advisory Committee. Rhea Courtney Bozic from Clean Fuels Consulting and Mark Bentley of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition will each be serving a three year term to assist the market development group with obstacles associated on installation of E85 and blender pumps throughout the country.

"One of our primary objectives is to expand market opportunities for mid-level blends of ethanol by advancing the establishment of blender pump infrastructure. Increasing American motorist's access to ethanol, which is the only practical alternative to foreign oil available today, will help create domestic jobs in communities across the country, strengthen our national and economic security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and improve the environment," noted Growth Energy CEO, Tom Buis.

Bozic is an environmental scientist and construction manager with experience in a variety of environmental areas, including alternative fuel infrastructure development, fueling facility design and costing, energy and air quality issues, industrial hygiene, and hazardous waste site evaluation. She formed her own consulting firm, Clean Fuels Consulting, in late 2003. Her consulting practice is devoted exclusively to the subject area of clean fuel transportation.

"I welcome the opportunity to assist on the MDC to widen public awareness of the national benefits of ethanol in lessening our dependence on foreign fuel," said Bozic. "As our country moves towards technology improvements that could increase production of cellulosic ethanol, the importance of ethanol produced from feed corn and its benefit to production cooperatives and the rural economy should be recognized. It is an American industry that produces jobs and keeps transportation fuel dollars in the United States."

Mark Bentley has been the Executive Director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC) since August 2006. Prior to joining ACFC he was head of Business Development for a major engineering firm located in Birmingham.

"Good partners lead to great projects and that is why we are so excited about being asked to be a member of the Market Development Committee. Partnerships naturally evolve from building strong relationship," stated Bentley. "I feel the relationships we hope to build with members of the Committee will prove extremely beneficial as we continue to build the higher blend ethanol usage in Alabama and around the country through our association with the U. S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program."

Martin-Eagle Oil of Denton, TX Announces Installation of New E85 Fueling Site

In an effort to increase fueling location options for flex fuel vehicle owners, the Martin-Eagle Oil Company announced the installation of a new E85 refueling site located at their headquarters facility at 2700 James Street in Denton, TX. The new site will supply E85 to both retail customers and to wholesale accounts.

Motorists operating flexible fuel vehicles can fuel up at the 2700 James Street location and take advantage of the cost savings of approximately 25 cents per gallon and use a domestically produced renewable fuel.

"We have made a significant investment to establish this new retail site adjacent to our office and look forward to offering E85 to other retail vendors through our wholesale operations," said Stephen Martin, President of Martin-Eagle Oil Company. "E85 can only be used in flexible fuel vehicles that have been designed to operate on high level blends of ethanol, and we calculate there are more than 102,000 FFVS operating in the metroplex. With only 6 current E85 fueling stations throughout the area, we anticipate significant demand for the product once motorists become aware of its availability."

The new fully automated E85 fueling site is open 24 hours and accepts all major credit cards.

According to Martin, "While there is still a great deal of oil produced in Texas, the fact is that we import more than 70% of our transportation fuels. We believe that the use of E85 in flexible fuel vehicles can be part of the solution to both cleaner air and local job creation."

Mindy Mize, Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Co-Coordinator added, "We are very pleased that Martin-Eagle Oil has chosen to open a new E85 refueling facility in the Metroplex. With so many flexible fuel vehicles in the region this new site will add to the fueling location options available to motorists."

Martin-Eagle Oil will also be offering E85 to wholesale customers.

A complete list of vehicles that can operate on 85% ethanol is available by clicking here.

Growth Energy will be working with Martin-Eagle to install additional mid and high level blend facilities across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Alabama Biofuels Workshop to Include Growth Energy

The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition along with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Energy Division will be hosting a biofuels workshop on Wednesday, March 17 in Dothan, Alabama.

Growth Energy Market Development Manager Michelle Kautz will outline the future of ethanol blends in Alabama and the United States while others will discuss biodiesel, CNG, propane and electric.

For more information regarding the workshop, click here. Registration is $10 and covers all materials with lunch. To register for the workshop, click here.