The National Corn Growers Association says state corn associations across the country are laying the groundwork for a shift toward greater use of ethanol. A wide variety of programs are underway that will help fuel tomorrow with E15 and midlevel blends while providing easier access to E85. Efforts in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota are helping make the increased use of higher ethanol blends a reality by helping fund the installation of the necessary fuel pumps. NCGA says from programs that completely support the installation of E85 pumps for retailers looking to convert multiple locations to programs that help cover the cost of signage highlighting ethanol options – these programs provide not only infrastructure for retailers but also choice for consumers.
There are approximately 162-thousand service stations nationwide – but only three-thousand currently offer E85 for the eight-million flex fuel vehicles already on the road today. Also – few offer the choice of E15 – recently approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in vehicles model year 2001 or newer.
State associations are joining with national groups representing corn farmers and ethanol producers to educate consumers about ethanol and increase awareness of the available options through the American Ethanol partnership with NASCAR and the Blend Your Own program.
Source: NAFB News Service