E85 Helps ‘Flexible’ Minnesotans Save a Bundle
By State Senator Claire Robling
September 28, 2005
For at least 100,000 Minnesotans, the answer to higher fuel prices is sitting in the driveway - and they may not even know it. Since 2000, most major vehicle manufacturers have begun producing automobiles capable of burning gasoline blends that contain anywhere from 10 percent to 85 percent ethanol. For the owners of these “flexible fuel vehicles” that equates to money saved at the gas pumps, especially as prices continue to trend upward.
The concept is simple. Corn – a native Minnesota crop – is turned into ethanol, and blended with gasoline. In the case of E85 gasoline, each gallon of fuel is 85 percent corn byproduct and only 15 percent petroleum, with an octane rating of 105. This development improves the local economy and reduces our national dependence on foreign oil. And, best of all, it tends to be cheaper. To promote usage of this alternative fuel, tax credits are given to producers of E85, and those savings are often passed on to the consumer.
All gasoline currently sold in Minnesota has a minimum 10 percent ethanol content. With the availability of flexible fuel vehicles and E85, Minnesotans can truly limit the environmental impact of our vehicular use, while saving money and helping out the corn industry. It’s a true win-win situation.
Motorists who have noticed the alluring lower cost of E85 during the recent spike in gasoline prices may be wondering how and if they can take advantage of the savings. Many popular vehicle manufacturers are currently making E85 compatible cars, trucks and SUVs, including Ford Motor Co., Daimler Chrysler, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes, and Nissan – but these manufacturers also warn that standard automobiles are not compatible with E85, so verify your vehicle’s compatibility before filling up. Flexible fuel vehicles generally have an E85 logo near the fuel cap, or will specify in the owner’s manual what types of fuel are compatible. For motorists who are considering making the switch to alternative fuel, a list of vehicles currently E85 compatible is available at www.e85fuel.com, then click on the “E85 101” tab.
Recently, I’ve received several calls from individuals who have E85 vehicles, but they don’t know where to find stations that sell it. For those who already have a flexible fuel vehicle, E85 can be purchased in our area at the following retailers:
Kwik Trip #423, 14160 Wild’s Path, Prior Lake
Holiday, 444 E 1st Ave., Shakopee
For a complete list of E85 retailers in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.state.mn.us, and click on the “E85 station list” on the lower left side of the page. Even though Minnesota leads the nation in retailers with E85 pumps, they are still not available everywhere drivers need fuel. Therefore, we’re still encouraging more gas station owners to install E85 pumps. Last session, the state appropriated some grant money for retailers who want to install or convert to E85 pumps. To find out more about that program, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website at www.mda.state.mn.us/ethanol/default.htm . Guidelines are currently being developed.
The benefits of E85 are obvious. A cleaner environment, a stronger agricultural economy, and lower prices paid at the pump are all tangible reasons to try E85. Taking steps toward limiting our dependence on foreign oil, and positioning Minnesota as a key contributor of a corn-based 21st century fuel solution are reasons to convince your friends to use it, too.
State Senator Claire Robling is serving her third term in the Minnesota Senate. She encourages and appreciates constituent input, and can be reached at (651)296-4123, by mail to 143 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via email to sen.claire.robling@senate.mn
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