MEDIA ROOM / MEDIA RELEASES
    February 17, 2010

    WBIA Working to Increase Flex Fuel Pumps

    GM says more pumps needed to match flex fuel vehicle output

    Contact: Joshua Morby - 414.344.1733

    MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) on Wednesday highlighted its efforts to increase the number of flex fuel pumps in Wisconsin following a call from General Motors to increase the number of stations that offer E85 nationwide.
     
    GM Vice Chairman Tom Stevens, during a speech at the annual Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Conference in Florida, told the audience that GM plans to have half its fleet capable of running on E85 by 2012, but the availability of the fuel must increase substantially to take advantage of those capabilities.
     
    “Here in Wisconsin, the WBIA is working in conjunction with national organizations and the State of Wisconsin to increase the number of flex fuel pumps available to consumers,” said Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the WBIA.  “We’ve helped establish blender pump tax credits, fought for funding for renewable fuels in the state budget, and engaged in advocacy campaigns to promote the benefits of E85.”
     
    Currently, there are more than 100 locations across the state where consumers can purchase gasoline blended with up to 85 percent ethanol.  Blender pumps allow consumers to determine which percentage of gasoline and ethanol they would like to purchase for their vehicle.  Typical blends range from E10 (10% ethanol and 90% gasoline) to E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline).
     
    Stevens said there would need to be at least 12,000 stations offering E85 to ensure all flex fuel vehicle owners have access to the fuel nearby.  
     
    “In order to fully realize the environmental and economic benefits of E85, we need to continue to work to expand access to flex fuel pumps to all consumers,” Morby said.  “It’s in the best interests of Wisconsin and our nation as a whole to use a homegrown, renewable fuel that improves our air quality and creates jobs right here in Wisconsin.”

    The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance is a diverse group of businesses, environmental groups and statewide and local organizations that have come together to build both public and legislative awareness of the Bio Industry in Wisconsin.
     
    For more information about the Alliance, or to find out how to join, please visit our website: http://www.wisconsinbioindustry.com.
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