News Archive - 05/2010

Everyone Wins in Ethanol Border Battle

Source: Domestic Fuel

Everyone was declared a winner in a Minnesota-Wisconsin border battle this week between two fuel retailers on opposite sides of the St. Croix River.

The promotional event on Thursday featured a rush-hour special where both stations sold E85 (85 percent ethanol fuel) at an 85 cents per gallon discount from 4-6 pm. The promotion was supported by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Holiday Companies, Erickson Oil, American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest and MN & WI Clean Air Choice Teams.

It was all in good fun as Alice in Dairyland (aka Cheryl O’Brien), Wisconsin’s official agricultural ambassador, squared off with the University of Minnesota mascot Goldy Gopher. However, when it came right down to it, Bob Moffit with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest reports that the Wisconsin station ultimately won the border battle, selling 589 gallons of E85 during the two-hour promotion, while the Minnesota station sold 447 gallons.

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Ethanol Production Methods More Efficient Now: Study

Source: PhysOrg.com

A new University of Illinois at Chicago study of facilities that produce most of the nation's ethanol found that the energy needed to make a gallon of the corn-based fuel decreased on average by about 30 percent within the past decade.

Steffen Mueller, principal research economist at UIC's Energy Resources Center, surveyed the nation's 150 "dry mill" ethanol plants -- the type that produce about 85 percent of the ethanol for energy use -- between November 2009 and January 2010.

The findings may prove useful to state and federal energy policy makers studying the pros and cons of fuels based on their "full life-cycle" -- the total energy needed to create a fuel compared to its energy output, the greenhouse gases emitted during production, the water used in production, and other factors.

"Policy makers rightfully pay attention to life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of fuels," said Mueller. "Biofuel refineries, including corn ethanol plants, are in a rapid innovation phase."

He said his survey shows that adoption of new technologies reduces energy production needs.

"The challenge for policy makers will be to keep up with these developments so that regulations are meaningful and reflect state-of-the-art industry practices," he said.

Mueller received 90 responses -- about 60 percent of the plants contacted. But those responding produce about 66 percent of the 35 billion or so liters of ethanol distilled yearly in the U.S.

Mueller said the high response should provide a sound statistical basis for policy makers, environmental groups, and researchers who will help design new energy-efficient and eco-friendly fuel production methods.

Mueller found plants use 28 percent less thermal energy -- mostly natural gas, but some coal, biomass and landfill gas -- and 32 percent less electricity to turn corn into ethanol. The savings may be due to more efficient equipment being used by new plants and older ones undergoing energy efficiency retrofits, he said.

The 24-question survey was developed with ethanol industry input. Senior or operations plant managers at all 150 U.S. dry mill plants operating during 2008 were contacted. The web-based survey was created by the University of Illinois Survey Research Laboratory, which also collected the data.

Mueller's findings were compared to the last comprehensive survey taken in 2001, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Since that time there has been a nearly 10-fold increase in the number of U.S. ethanol plants.

The findings are published online in the May 15 issue of Biotechnology Letters.

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Iowa Corn and Chevy Promote Ethanol

Source: Domestic Fuel

Iowa corn growers have teamed up with two Chevy dealerships to promote ethanol and the vehicles that it fuels.

Holmes Chevrolet in Norwalk and Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny are partnering with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) to promote flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the use of E85 in Iowa. Consumers who purchase a FFV at either dealership between now and June 15, 2010 are eligible for $250 in ethanol/E85 certificates from a participating fuel station.

“One out of every 10 vehicles in Iowa are Flex-fuel vehicles and can use E85,” said Shannon Textor, Iowa Corn Director of Market Development. “Our goal is to get more FFVs on the road and to sell more ethanol blended fuel.”

Both Holmes Chevrolet and Karl Chevrolet will be able to give away up to forty $250 gift certificates that consumers can use to purchase E85 for their new or used FFV.

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Growth Energy Announces Independence Day Promotion For Flex Fuel Vehicle Owners

Attention all Flex Fuel Vehicle Owners: Growth Energy is offering a one month promotion geared toward flex fuel vehicle owners who use E85 fuel. Between June 1 and July 1, FFV owners can submit a photo of themselves with their FFV, along with an explanation about why they use E85 fuel. On July 1, Growth Energy will select a winner, at random, to receive a $185 E85 fuel card that can be used at any E85 fueling station. Photos and submissions will be featured on Growthenergy.org and Growthforce.org. There will also be a second place prize of $85 in E85 fuel awarded to the most creative photo.

FFV owners wishing to participate will be asked to join Growth Energy’s Growth Force, a group that believes in a cleaner, greener America through the use of biofuels.

Visit Growthenergy.org/fuelonthefourth or Growthforce.org/fuelonthefourth starting June 1 to participate in the promotion. For questions, please contact Casey Schlechter at 605-965-2344 or email him at cschlechter@growthenergy.org.

Ag Secretaries: Renew Blenders’ Credit

Source: The Progressive Farmer

Iowa's Northey Says Lesson Should be Learned From Biodiesel

OMAHA (DTN) — Secretaries of agriculture in eight states have asked Congressional leaders to renew ethanol's volumetric ethanol excise tax credit, or the 45-cent-per-gallon blenders' credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2010.

Legislation has been introduced in both the Senate and House to extend the current ethanol tax policies to 2015. (DTN file photo)In a letter to leaders in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the ag secretaries said the tax credit was important to their states.

"As representatives of rural America, we strongly urge you to support the extension of these important policies that allow us to successfully produce domestic fuel," the letter said. "America's farmers stand ready to continue their role as providers of food and feed, and are eager to continue to provide renewable fuel as well."

The letter is signed by secretaries of agriculture Bill Northey of Iowa; Jon Farris of South Dakota; Robert J. Boggs of Ohio; Doug Goehring of North Dakota; Tom Jennings of Illinois; Jon Hagler of Missouri; Rod Nilsestuen of Wisconsin; and Greg Ibach of Nebraska.

The ethanol industry is fighting to keep the credit in place, as many in the industry believe that without it they will not be profitable.

That is what has happened to the U.S. biodiesel industry, which has virtually shut down after federal lawmakers let that industry's $1 blenders' tax credit expire at the end of 2009.

In a statement, Northey said he's concerned ethanol would face the same fate without its tax credit.

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State’s first blender pump offers choices

Source: Illinois Farm Bureau

Major automakers have pledged to roll out more ethanol-friendly “flex-fuel” vehicles (FFVs), while federal officials are considering boosting allowable ethanol gasoline blends.

At the same time, the market and policy implications of the Gulf oil spill have added a key element of uncertainty to near-term petroleum price projections. In Jon England’s view, it’s a good time for greater fuel flexibility.

England is partner in EK Petroleum, a Moultrie County business that’s retooled an abandoned service station with Illinois’ first “blender pumps.” England will join Friday with the Illinois Corn Growers Association, state officials, and lawmakers to dedicate two retail pumps that enable motorists to “dial up” a variety of ethanol blends.

Each two-sided pump offers both regular unleaded gas blended with 10 percent ethanol (which can be used in any vehicle) plus a flex-fuel option that dispenses E85, E50, or E30 for E85-capable FFVs by blending “straight” unleaded with E85 from a second tank. The Sullivan pumps are the first of a projected 20 installations to be funded across the state.

The improvement was made possible through a $20,000 American Lung Association grant funded by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Given the roughly $45,000 cost of two pumps, the grant was a key motivator for England.

“Most stations, there’s just one spot where you can get E85,” England told FarmWeek. “At our pumps, you can get any product on either side at any time. In essence, I could have four vehicles filling up with E85 at the same time.  

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Pearson Fuels Celebrates Opening of First Ethanol Fuel Station in the San Jacinto Valley

Source: Pearson Fuels

Pearson Announces Opening of its 13th Ethanol Station in California — First for San Jacinto Valley

SAN DIEGO, CA — Pearson Fuels will join Oak Valley Chevron to celebrate the grand opening of the first Ethanol (E85) alternative fuel station in Beaumont, CA with special ribbon-cutting ceremonies on May 21. The grand opening is set for 11:00 a.m. at Oak Valley Chevron, 866 Oak Valley Parkway in Beaumont, CA 92223. The location is the first E85 station in the San Jacinto Valley and only the second open to the public in Riverside County.

The festivities are being held in conjunction with Chevron’s celebration of the opening of an EXTRAMILE® convenience store and the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Attendees can enjoy free food and drinks from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Feel Good Fueling Up® with Pearson selling E85 to the public for only $.85 per gallon from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will feature a ceremonial ribbon cutting with Chamber officials at 11:00 a.m.

The E85 is compatible with over 25,000 Flex Fuel Vehicles in Riverside County and with over 50,000 Flex Fuel Vehicles in the Los Angeles basin. Oak Valley Chevron is part of Pearson Fuels statewide roll out of new E85 stations throughout California, starting with its original station in San Diego. The E85 facilities were partially funded by the California Air Resources Board.

Mike Lewis, co-owner of Pearson Fuels said, “It is exciting for us to see the progress and interest in alternative fuel infrastructure over the last few years because we have all been recently reminded of the harm that petroleum exploration can pose to the environment and our nation’s dependence on foreign oil is the greatest challenge our children will face. Alternative fuels are always coming next year, then the year after that, but this is a real station with real alternative fuel, open to the public 24 hours a day that will displace petroleum with every gallon pumped.”

Pearson brought the first Ethanol station to the state of California when it opened its San Diego station in 2003 as the world’s first Alternative Fuel Station featuring 10 different fuels. Today it specializes in bringing alternative fuels to the public throughout California.

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Ohio Ethanol Supporters Welcomed to Nation’s Capital

Source: Growth Energy

WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, today welcomed a delegation of four Ohio ethanol supporters to Washington, D.C., for a series of meetings with members of Congress. This is the latest in a series of fly-ins organized by Growth Energy to show lawmakers the depth of support for federal policy in support of ethanol.

During the group’s two day visit, the delegation will meet personally with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), Reps. Patrick Tiberi (R), Steve Austria (R), Jim Jordan (R), Zack Space (D) and Bob Latta (R) as well as the staffs of Sen. George Voinovich (R), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R). Specifically, the meetings will focus on how expanding the production of ethanol could help strengthen the U.S. economy by creating jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

“The state of Ohio has been an important ally in the fight for renewable, sustainable ethanol and we are delighted these Ohio natives have traveled to our nation’s capital to help educate our members of Congress about the benefits of ethanol,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “These meetings provide a critical opportunity for ethanol supporters to interact one-on-one with their legislators and inform them about the issues that are most important to the state.”

The delegation includes Mark Borer, General Manager of POET Biorefining- Leipsic, Robert Flynn, General Manager of POET Biorefining – Fostoria, Dave Brooks, General Manager of POET Biorefining – Marion and Mike Irmen, Director of Ethanol Services at the Andersons, Inc.

“As representatives of Ohio’s ethanol plants, we are excited about the opportunity to visit Ohio’s elected officials and discuss the many economic benefits that the industry is providing to Ohio’s citizens,” said Mark Borer, General Manager of POET Biorefining- Leipsic and President of the Ohio Ethanol Producers (OEP). “Ohio has seen rapid growth in ethanol producing capabilities since 2008 and it has had a tremendous impact on our employees, farmers and local communities. This recent growth has given Ohio the latest technology and some of the most capable facilities in the nation and we look forward to working with our representatives in support of the industry to ensure we maximize the economic and environmental benefits, while positioning America for the energy independence that we so desperately need.”

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Member Spotlight – Davis Oil Company

Davis Oil Company renewed its membership with Growth Energy Market Development recently, they were prior members of the NEVC since 2003. Davis Oil Company is a four generation family owned company, founded in 1946 by Mr. Mayo Davis. Now operated by four brothers’ — the Sexton’s. Davis Oil primarily operates in central Georgia along the I-75 corridor, about 100 miles south of Atlanta. They are a fuel distributor of both ethanol and biodiesel.

Davis Oil first installed ethanol into their fueling facilities because the Alternative Fuels Manager, Dennis Burnett sat on the clean cities board and Davis Oil was a member of the NEVC. Both clean cities and the NEVC assisted Davis Oil with applying for grants and funding. They were the first station to bring E85 to Georgia. Although they first installed biodiesel into their business, it gradually and naturally moved to ethanol.

“We were informed and wanted to become more involved, it seemed going green was becoming a trend,” noted Dennis Burnett, Alternative Fuels Manager of Davis Oil.

Davis Oil Company currently has 16 fueling stations, all stations offer E10, five offer E85 and two offer biodiesel. The locations that offer E85 are:

• Fillers #24 is located in Perry, GA off of I75, exit 135, which was the first E85 station in the state of GA.
• Fillers #16 is located at I-75 and exit 109 in Vienna, GA.
• Fillers #202 at I-75 and exit 149 in Byron, GA.
• Fillers #21 is located in Warren Robins, GA. The station first carried E85 because one of the largest air force bases is located in GA and did not offer E85.
• Fillers #28 is located on Houston Lake Rd in Perry, Georgia and is a branded chevron station.

The greatest obstacle challenging the growth of alternative fuels and E85 vehicles, according to Dennis Burnett the Alternative Fuels Manager of Davis oil is education. “Consumers are not aware that they can use E85. We’ve Purchased brochures from Growth that shows all the vehicles, models and makes which assists with some consumer education. Burnett goes on to explain, “Through the clean cities and the ethanol industry we can continue to educate consumers. TV educational clinics, public service programs advertising e85 and alternative fuels. I have contributed to a number of panels that discuss alternative fuels, power point presentations at rotary clubs, civic groups, informing the public of the benefits of alternative fuels.”

New and Renewed Growth Energy Market Development Members

Dodge City Cooperative
America’s Fuel

New E85 and Blender Pump Stations

As of this publication, there are 2,144 E85 stations including 156 blenderpumps. Below is a listing of those opened since our last publication.

** = Blender Pump available

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

Growth Energy to Participate in North Carolina Energy and Transportation Conference

Growth Energy Market Development staff will be participating in the Mobilizing NC: Where Air Quality, Energy & Transportation Meet Conference in Raleigh, NC on May 26. This full day conference will allow attendees to learn, share and network on transportation technology and policy solutions to air quality, economic enhancement, and energy security challenges.

The conference will feature:

The event is hosted by NC Solar Center/NCSU with support provided by Triangle Clean Cities, Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition, Land of Sky Clean Vehicle Coalition, Triad Air Awareness and NC State Engineering Foundation. Growth Energy is also a sponsor of the event.

• Fleets, Transportation and Land Use Planning Success Stories
• Concurrent Sessions on Biofuels, Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel & Electric Vehicle Transportation Technologies
• Luncheon speaker: Peter Maas, author of Crude World, the Violent Twilight of Oil
• Over 2 dozen Ride-N-Drive vehicle, Exhibits and more

To find out more regarding the event, click here.

POET Outlines Renewable Fuel Future in Testimony to House Ag Committee

Source: Biofuels Journal

Sioux Falls, SD—Ethanol producers each year produce more renewable fuel more efficiently, but the growing alternative to oil industry dominance needs bold policy to help offset more foreign oil imports in the future, POET Vice President for Commercial Development Scott Weishaar told the House Agriculture Committee May 18.

Weishaar testified at the committee’s field hearing today at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Weishaar said the ethanol industry has become a legitimate threat to Big Oil.

Washington deserves credit for envisioning that future when it created positive policies such as the Renewable Fuels Standard.

“With your help, we can continue this progress,” he said.

“We have the natural resources, the ingenuity and the technology to reach our nation’s goal of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel produced per year by the year 2022.”

Four important actions will help achieve this:

1. Increase the base blend allowed in today’s standard vehicles from 10 percent to 15 percent ethanol.
2. Mandate that all new vehicles purchased in the U.S. are flex fuel.
3. Provide incentives for installation of blender pumps, which can dispense a wide range of ethanol blends and allow greater choice for consumers.
4. Support cellulosic development through loan guarantees, a long-term extension of the cellulosic ethanol tax credit and incentives for farmers to offset risk in providing new biomass feedstock.

These actions will place clean, renewable ethanol in a position to challenge oil as the dominant fuel for America and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, especially in rural areas.

“With your help, we will take ethanol to new heights and provide a real competitor to foreign oil,” Weishaar said.

Weishaar’s testimony is available on POET’s website.

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“Ask POET” video series offers company expertise to answer a variety of ethanol questions

Source: POET

As part of an ongoing effort to improve consumer understanding of all aspects of ethanol production and use, POET recently launched a monthly online video series titled "Ask POET."

In each episode of "Ask POET," host Nathan Schock will take a question from the public and find the person within POET who is best able to provide the answer. In the first episode, CEO Jeff Broin answers the question "When do you think consumers will be able to go to the gas station and fill up their cars with cellulosic ethanol?" The question was submitted by Domestic Fuel blogger Joanna Schroeder.

In the second episode, which was posted today, Broin responds to a question from Jim Lane at Biofuels Digest. Lane asks what the industry can do after E15 to prevent another "blend wall." How can America change its fleet over to flex fuel vehicles so that higher blends of ethanol can be used in greater quantities?

For upcoming episodes, no topic is off limits, from the government's ethanol policy to ethanol efficiency and ethanol's role in the future energy mix of the country. Questions for the initial episodes were supplied by well-known energy bloggers across the U.S., but future episodes will also include questions submitted by anyone.

"As the nation's largest ethanol producer, we need to take an active and visible role in helping the public understand the many issues surrounding ethanol," Schock, POET's Director of Public Relations, said. "Although the ethanol industry is still relatively young, POET has been around for more than two decades and is in a great position to answer the many questions that come up regarding the renewable fuel that is being used in most cars today. Ask POET' will help do that."

A new episode of "Ask POET" will be released each month. Subscribe to POET's RSS feed for future updates or check our news page.

To submit questions, visit http://www.poet.com/discovery/askpoet/index.asp. 

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Growth Energy Praises Dresser Wayne for Continued Warranty on Fuel Dispensers Offering E15

Source: Growth Energy

WASHINGTON, DC — Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, today issued a statement praising Dresser Wayne for announcing that all of their standard dispensers have always, and will continue to, cover the use of ethanol blends up to E15. CEO Tom Buis said this announcement is helpful in expanding access to higher blends of ethanol, such as E15, as sought in Growth Energy’s Green Jobs Waiver. Warranties on higher blends of ethanol are increasingly important as blender pumps and ethanol dispensers are installed across the country to give consumers more choice at the filling station.

Growth Energy’s Green Jobs Waiver seeks an increase in the allowable blend of ethanol with gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent – a move that will create U.S. jobs, strengthen national security and help clean the air. EPA has indicated that a final decision is slated for mid-summer.

“Fuel dispensing equipment that can deliver higher blends of ethanol will help make our country more energy independent and more secure, all while giving consumers a choice at the pump that includes domestic, renewable ethanol,” said Buis. “We appreciate Dresser Wayne’s continued commitment to cover fuel dispensing equipment offering E15.”
 

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Growth Energy Commends Ford For Commitment To Flex Fuel Vehicles

WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, today welcomed an announcement by Ford Motor Company that it will offer more than 12 Flex Fuel Vehicle models in its 2011 fleet. Growth Energy strongly supports the expanded production and use of flex fuel vehicles that gives American consumers greater fuel choice and helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

“If we’re going to reduce emissions, clean the air, and increase our energy independence, we need to ensure that our entire vehicle fleet and fuel infrastructure are ready to use expanded U.S. ethanol production,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “Each additional flex fuel vehicle model gives consumers the option of filling up with domestic, homegrown renewable fuel and enhances our national security, all while creating U.S. jobs and greening our environment. We commend Ford Motor Co. for their continued commitment to manufacture FFVs and we urge Congress to pass legislation that will encourage all vehicles to be flex-fuel and support the construction of blender pumps and ethanol dispensing equipment.”

Ford’s announcement was made this week at the Ford 2011 Model Year Advance Product Meeting in Minnesota in front of fleet and dealership representatives. At the meeting, Ford personnel provided an overview of their vehicle lineup for the coming model year which includes more than 12 Flex Fuel Vehicle models.

The new 2011 FFV models include:

• 3.0L Fusion3.0L Escape
• F-150 (engine to be announced)5.4L Expedition & Expedition EL
• 5.4L Expedition EL Limo6.2L F-250 & F-350 Pickup and F-350 Chassis Cab
• 4.6L & 5.4L E-Series models4.6L Crown Victoria, Taxi & Police Interceptor
• 4.6L Lincoln Town Car5.4L Lincoln Navigator
• 5.4L Navigator L5.4L Navigator L Limo
• 3.0L Mercury Milan3.0L Mercury Mariner
• 4.6L Mercury Grand Marquis

Today, almost eight million vehicles on U.S. highways are flexible fuel vehicles, out of over 246 million vehicles on the road. Ford’s commitment to manufacture more Flex Fuel Vehicles will help ensure that we meet Congress’ goal of 36 billion gallons of biofuel production by 2022 as enacted in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, Buis said.

Illinois Senate Passes Measure to Extend Ethanol Tax Credit for Higher Blends

Source: Prarie Farmer

Last week, the Illinois Corn Growers Association celebrated the Illinois Senate's passage of HB 4652, a measure that could allow higher blends of ethanol to receive the state sales tax exemption.

Specifically, the legislation changes the state's definition of gasohol, which is currently defined as 10% ethanol, 90% gasoline. The new definition of gasohol will mirror the U.S. EPA's highest allowable levels of ethanol as defined in the Clean Air Act.

"This is great news for anyone that buys fuel in Illinois," explains Tim Lenz, a Strasburg corn farmer and president of ICGA. "By linking the state's definition of ethanol blended fuels to the federal regulations, consumers can continue to enjoy the lower price per gallon for gasoline that is blended with ethanol."

This definition in Illinois statute relates to a sales tax incentive for marketing ethanol blended fuel. Marketers can sell ethanol blended fuel with a sales tax reduction of 20% on each gallon. Current statute ties the tax incentive only to the 10% blends.

"The timing on this legislation is critical," Lenz explains, "We expect EPA to approve ethanol blends of up to 15% in the nation's fuel supply sometime this summer. Without this statutory adjustment in Illinois, consumers would have immediately lost some of the price advantage as ethanol blends increase."

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South Carolina Fuel Retailers Claim Victory on Ethanol Blending Bill

Source: Convenience Store News

CHARLESTON, S.C. — In a big victory for South Carolina's convenience stores and petroleum marketers, both sides of the state legislature overrode Governor Sanford's veto of a law that would have prevented the delivery of unblended fuel at the terminal. The margins left no doubt where the sentiments of the lawmakers stood: 34-7 in the Senate, and 91-2 in the House.

"We fought hard for this bill that effectively permits splash blending of ethanol fuels," declared Leigh Faircloth, executive director of the South Carolina Association of Convenience Stores (SCACS). "We weren't going to be denied by the Governor's veto. Splash blending allows distributors to take advantage of fluctuating ethanol prices and collect tax breaks plus other government incentives, which benefits consumers and retailers with lower prices. It also keeps most tax revenues within the state, which doesn't happen when big oil does the blending."

As of June 15, terminals will be required to offer unblended product for all fuel grades.

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New and Renewed Growth Energy Market Development Members

Zarco 66, Inc.
Gate Petroleum Company
KNC Holdings
Bridgehampton Service Station, LLC
Cooperative Elevator Co. 

New E85 and Blender Pump Stations

Member Spotlight — Reid Petroleum

Reid Petroleum Corporation is a multi-branded motor fuel marketer operating in New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. As a previous member of the NEVC, Reid has renewed membership with Growth Energy Market Development. The company is a subsidiary of the Reid Group that also operates more than thirty convenience stores under the name K&K Food Marts and Crosby's. Reid Petroleum services over 200 locations; multi-branded distributors such as Mobil, Sunoco and Gulf.

The company began in 1922, in which J. Ward Reid opened a one pump gasoline service station in Lockport, New York. By the 1950’s and the 1960’s, J. Ward Reid Jr. guided the company and added new full-service dealers, where Reid Petroleum Corporation was formed. Reid opened its first convenience store in 1972 and by the end of the decade had expanded its geographic area to seven Western New York counties.

Paul Reid succeeded his father, J. Ward Reid, Jr., as President and Chief Executive Officer. Today, under Paul's leadership, Reid Petroleum distributes motor fuel products throughout Western and Central New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

For more than 85 years Reid has provided quality motor fuel products and services to a wide variety of customers.

A few years ago when gasoline was on the rise and cost more than $4.00 a gallon, Reid Petroleum decided to look into installing the first E85 pumps in western NY. The state offered funding through a incentive program that helped offset the cost of infrastructure. They received much positive feedback and media attention, but as gasoline has decreased in cost the feedback has dropped off. “It’s unfortunate that the public has gone into hibernation, they don’t recognize the opportunity to pursue a green initiative and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. We originally installed the pumps to see if the customers talked green chose green,” says Scott Sterry, Fuels Marketing Manager for Reid Petroleum Corporation.

The main reason Reid Petroleum joined Growth Energy Market Development was to gain as much knowledge from the ethanol industry, they are also a member of SIGMA, but wanted to join the ethanol industry and observe how it developed over time.

According to Sterry the most challenging obstacle of the growth of alternative fuels, E85 and flexible fuel vehicles is whether the government continues to subsidize the industry. The closer the cost spread is between E85 and gas the less likely the customer is to choose E85 .

Reid Petroleum currently has 4 fueling stations that offer E85.

• Wilson Farms, 1060 Niagara Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda NY
• Crosby’s, 1002 East Main Street, Foster Brook PA
• Crosby’s, 10398 Bennett Road, Fredonia NY
• Wilson Farms, 95 South Transit Drive, Lockport NY

EPA Proposes to Streamline Approval Process for Fuel Conversion Systems

Source: EPA

Goal is to encourage innovative and environmentally-friendly conversions 

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make it easier for manufacturers to gain approval to sell fuel conversion systems. The conversion systems allow vehicles to run on alternative fuels, which may appeal to consumers concerned about energy security, fuel costs, or emissions. The proposal reflects EPA’s interest in encouraging innovation and spurring conversions that use clean energy technologies.

Under the proposed approach, compliance requirements would vary based on age of the vehicle or engine being converted. EPA has found that the compliance process for older vehicles and engines could be streamlined, while maintaining environmental safeguards. As opposed to a one-size fits all approach, requirements would now be based on whether a vehicle or engine is deemed to be new, intermediate-age, or outside its expected useful life.

Conversion systems alter an existing vehicle or engine to enable it to run on a different type of fuel, such as switching a car to run on compressed natural gas. While properly engineered conversion systems can reduce or at least not increase emissions, poorly designed systems can lead to much more pollution. EPA reminds consumers only to use systems that have EPA approval.

EPA will accept public comments on this proposal until July 23, 2010.

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Ford Delivers on 2006 Pledge to Double Flexible-Fuel Vehicle Production in America by End of 2010

Source: PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance

CHICAGO —

• Ford is delivering on its 2006 pledge to double the number of flexible-fuel vehicles produced in the U.S. by the end of 2010. Ford produced nearly 185,000 2006 model year flexible-fuel vehicles.

• The development and use of renewable fuels helps reduce America's dependence on imported oil. More ethanol is now produced and used in the U.S. than the amount of gasoline made from oil imported by the U.S. from Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined

• Ford plans to expand its fleet of flexible-fuel vehicles to 50 percent of vehicle production by 2012 provided incentives continue to encourage the manufacturing, distribution and availability of renewable fuels, and the production of flexible-fuel vehicles

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F - News) will deliver on its 2006 pledge to double the number of 2010 model year flexible-fuel vehicles it produces in the U.S. Flexible-fuel vehicles are capable of running on E-85 (a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels.

The announcement was made today by Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, at the 2010 BIO International Convention in Chicago.

"Flexible-fuel vehicles are a great alternative for our customers because they provide owners with the option to choose between using E-85 and gasoline when filling up a car," Cischke said. "Ethanol and other biofuels also help reduce the county's dependence on imported oil."

More ethanol is now produced and used in the U.S. than the amount of gasoline made from oil imported to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined.

Ford's pledge to double the number of 2010 model year flexible-fuel vehicles produced in the U.S. is based on the company's final 2006 model year flexible-fuel vehicle production. Ford produced nearly 185,000 2006 model year flexible-fuel vehicles. Assuming incentives continue to encourage the manufacturing, distribution and availability of renewable fuels as well as the production of flexible fuel vehicles, Ford remains committed to expand flexible-fuel vehicle output to 50 percent of total 2012 model year vehicle production.

Ford currently offers 11 flexible-fuel vehicles in the U.S. including the Ford Escape, Fusion, F-150, Crown Victoria, Expedition and E-Series; the Lincoln Navigator and Town Car; and the Mercury Milan, Grand Marquis and Mariner.

Ford will continue to build products capable of running on renewable fuels such as bio-diesel and E-85 ethanol. This includes the new 2011 Super Duty, which is offered with two bio-fuel options, a diesel engine that operates on B-20 bio-diesel or a conventional engine that operates on E-85.

"Flexible-fuel vehicles are one of the many environmental technologies Ford is providing customers," said Cischke. "In addition to biofuels, we also are working on a range of other advanced fuel efficient technologies, including EcoBoost engines, six speed transmissions, clean diesel and electrified vehicles."

Ford has announced an aggressive plan to bring next-generation hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure battery-electric vehicles to market more quickly and affordably. Ford's plan calls for five new electrified vehicles in the next three years in North America and Europe, beginning with the Transit Connect Electric, which debuts later this year in the U.S.

For additional information on Ford's near-, mid- and long-term product actions to deliver increased fuel efficiency and decreased CO2 to help address climate change and energy security issues, see the company's "Blueprint for Sustainability" at www.ford.com/go/sustainability.

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All 2011 Buick Regals to be flex-fuel capable starting this fall

Source: Auto Blog

Starting this fall, all new 2011 Buick Regals will have flex-fuel capability. The first boatloads of Regals from Germany have begun rolling off the docks in New Jersey in the past week and are being sent out to dealers. The first several months of Regal production will all be powered by a gasoline-only version of General Motors' normally aspirated 2.4-liter inline four.

Once the 2.0-liter direct injected turbo four starts arriving in late August, both engines will be able to run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol. The turbo will be GM's first production E85-capable turbocharged and direct injected engine. The engine was originally developed for the new Saab 9-5, which rides on the same Epsilon II platform as the Regal, and GM decided to install it in the U.S.-spec Buick as well. The new Regal has been available in China since late 2008.

According Jim Federico, vehicle line executive for the global midsize platform, combining direct injection and turbocharging will allow the new engine to get much closer to the volumetric fuel efficiency of gasoline while running on ethanol. Until now, normally aspirated flex-fuel engines typically have gotten about 15 percent worse fuel efficiency on ethanol. The Regal engine should cut that deficit to the mid-single digits and future versions should be just about even.

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NASCAR sets sights on E15 use by 2011

Source: Fox Sports

When NASCAR takes the green flag in 2011, race cars are expected to be fueled by E15 -- a mixture of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline.

Hendrick Motorsports is already testing the fuel and Roush Yates engines will start development with E15 in the next few weeks. According to RYE co-owner Doug Yates, the conversion is important to the sport.

"Change is scary, but it's exciting as well," Yates said. "We have to keep up with the changes in the world to stay relevant. We need to be moving ahead."

According to the ethanol.org website, ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane motor fuel that is produced from renewable sources. At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn.

While NASCAR switched to using unleaded fuel in its top three series in 2007, the IndyCar Series used methanol from 1965 to 2006 when it introduced an ethanol blend on the tour. The following season, IndyCar moved to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol.

Although fuel injection remains on the drawing board for 2011,Yates agrees with other engine gurus in the garage that the fuel issue must take priority.

"Fuel injection is in our future, but it wasn't as simple," Yates said. "It has to be fair for every manufacturer. Ethanol will be first because they want it in all three series. So it would have to work for carburetor as well as fuel injection."

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