|
In
This Issue: |
FYI Newsletter Volume 9, Issue 3, February 17, 2004
|
|
|
•
NEVC
2004 Annual Board and
Membership Meeting
•
NEVC/GM
Hospitality Reception
•
Ethanol Use
Reduced Greenhouse
Gas Emissions by 5.7 Million Tons in 2003
•
Member
Spotlight -
East Texas Clean Cities Coalition |
• Energy
Bill Update
•
OPEC Cuts Production in a
Surprise Move
•
Promote E85 Fuel
•
Support Renewable Fuels –
Join the NEVC
•
Letters to the NEVC |
|
|
|
|
NEVC 2004 Annual Board and Membership Meeting |
|
| |
|
The National Ethanol Vehicle
Coalition invites you to join us at our 2004 Annual Board
and Membership Meeting immediately preceding the Commodity
Classicsm in Las Vegas, Nevada. The meeting
will be held in the Embassy Salon at the Las Vegas Hilton
Hotel from 8 a.m. to noon on March 1, 2004. We intend to
address the following items during the meeting:
·
2004 legislative agenda
· NEVC
procedures and practices
· Nomination
and selection of Board Members
· Other
business
· A
presentation from the Renewable Fuels Association on the
pending Energy Bill
· A
presentation from the National Corn Growers Association
regarding their recent ethanol strategic planning
· A
presentation from Ford Motor Company regarding the
“restructuring” of its alternative fuel vehicle program
A
light breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. |
| |
|
NEVC/GM
Hospitality Reception |
|
|
|
A
Betting on E85
Hospitality Reception co-sponsored by General Motors will
begin at 7 p.m. and conclude at 10 p.m. the evening of
March 1 in Pavilion 6 of the Las Vegas Hilton.
Food
and beverages will be served, a press conference will
occur at 8 p.m. and live entertainment will be provided
(Elvis may in fact be “in the house”).
Unfortunately,
the Las Vegas Hilton is sold out of rooms for this event.
Other hotels available include:
Riviera Hotel
and Casino
2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S
800-634-6753
Approximately 1/2 mile from the Las Vegas Hilton
Stardust Resort and Casino
3000 Las Vegas Blvd. S
800-824-6033 or 800-634-6757
Approximately 3/4 mile from the Las Vegas Hilton
Please register for the NEVC 2004 Annual Meeting and/or
the
Betting on E85
reception, by contacting Michelle Kautz before February
20, 2004 at (573) 635-8445 or email
mkautz@e85fuel.com.
Hope
to see you in Vegas! |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-release
issued by the RFA on February 5, 2004
According to
the latest figures from Argonne National Laboratory, the
use of ethanol-blended fuels reduced carbon
dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by
approximately 5.7 million tons in the United States during
2003. This reduction is equivalent to removing the annual
greenhouse gas emissions of more than 853,000 cars from
the roads.
Ethanol-blended fuels reduce vehicular emissions of carbon
dioxide, methane, and other gases that contribute to
global warming. According to a 2003 study by the Pew
Center on Global Climate Change: “replacement fuels offer
the greatest promise for reducing transportation sector
GHG emissions” over the next 15 years. Replacement fuels,
like ethanol, are alternative fuels that can be blended
with petroleum fuels and, therefore, utilize the existing
gasoline infrastructure. The Pew Center concluded:
“ethanol produced from corn in the United States reduces
full cycle GHG emissions by 30 percent compared to
gasoline…”
This reduction
is due, in part, to the “carbon cycle,” whereby much of
the carbon dioxide released when ethanol-blended fuels are
used is reabsorbed by biomass plants, like corn, during
growth. These biomass plants provide the feedstocks for
ethanol production. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The
East Texas Clean Cities Coalition (ETCCC) joined the NEVC
in January 2004. The ETCCC joins the twelve other Clean
City Organizations supporting E85 as members of our
organization. It is administered by the East Texas
Council of Governments (ETCOG) through a grant from the
Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). ETCCC
covers a 14 county region located east of Dallas, Texas
and west of Shreveport, Louisiana.
“ETCCC chose
to join the NEVC to further advance it's overall goals of
both improved air quality and energy independence,” said
ETCC Air Quality/Clean Cities Coordinator Rick McKnight.
“As a relatively new Clean Cities program, ETCCC will
benefit from the experiences of NEVC staff and members.
This experience and the resources NEVC can provide will
hopefully expedite the process of introducing E85 in East
Texas.”
ETCCC plans to
continue to pursue the use of E85 in East Texas. They
feel that the strong candidates for E85 use are the cities
of Longview, Marshall, and Tyler.
“We plan to
work with these cities and the US Postal Service to pursue
projects that use E85. In December '03 we received
information from Texas DOT on the number of E85 capable
vehicles that are in our region. A total of approximately
8,000 mostly privately owned FFVs are registered in East
Texas. ETCCC plans to market E85 to these private owners
once anchor fleets for E85 have been established,” stated
McKnight.
McKnight
added, “I feel renewable fuels are an important piece of
the puzzle when talking about alternative transportation
fuels. I think E85 is a good match for East Texas. As a
mostly rural coalition, the biggest obstacle we have is
the cost of infrastructure. One of the biggest advantages
that I see for the introduction of E85 in East Texas is
the comparable cost of E85 infrastructure to conventional
gasoline infrastructure. Another advantage is the lack of
additional training in maintenance of the vehicles. I
believe renewable motor fuels, E85 specifically, have the
potential to make a substantial impact in East Texas and
other communities like it.”
We welcome
Rick McKnight and the ETCCC to the NEVC and thank them for
their support of this clean-burning, renewable fuel. |
|
|
|
|
|
Energy Bill Update |
|
|
|
On February
12, 2004 Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Senate
Minority Leader Tom Daschle agreed to issue a “slimmed
down” version of the Senate Energy Bill. Introduced as S.
2095, a copy of the bill can be viewed on the NEVC web
site.
S. 2095
reduces the total cost of the Senate Energy Bill from $31
billion to $16 billion. It also eliminates the MTBE
liability protection that had been so strenuously opposed
by many members of the Senate. The bill does include the
Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, Renewable Fuel
Standard, tax incentives to assist with the establishment
of E85 fueling systems, and short-term tax credits to
promote the use of all forms of alternative transportation
fuels.
The present
schedule is for the Senate to consider this legislation
the week of February 23 and attempt to limit debate so
that rapid movement could occur. It is possible that the
Senate will vote on S. 2095 the week of February 23. Any
action regarding such a “revised Senate Energy Bill” would
require that another conference committee be formed to
resolve the differences between the Senate and House
versions of the respective legislation.
As we have
noted in the past, the NEVC will continue to monitor and
track legislative issues of importance to ethanol
advocates. |
|
|
|
|
OPEC Cuts Production in a Surprise Move |
|
|
|
-
News Article
from February 11, 2004 Daily News reported by
the National Association of
Convenience Stores
In a surprise move, the Organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced on February 10 that
it will cut its official limits on the output of crude by
one million barrels a day (b/d) beginning April 1.
OPEC had also agreed to eliminate about 1.5 million b/d of
what is called quota busting--exceeding agreed-upon limits
on production to take advantage of high prices.
If OPEC members stick to the agreement, the two measures
together would effectively cut OPEC's daily output by
about 10 percent. The cut would bring output limits to
23.5 million b/d.
If the cartel sticks to its plan, consumers will continue
to face high prices for refined products, analysts said.
The move comes at a time of the year when the petroleum
industry typically begins its transition from winter-blend
to summer-blend fuels, which is complicated this year by
new regulations banning MTBE in several states.
"Because of all the new regulations on gasoline, we're
going to be paying a record high price on gasoline,"
according to Phil Flynn at Alaron Trading. "We're going to
have problems this year with gas prices."
OPEC's 11 members, including Iraq, pumped an average 28.1
million b/d of crude in January, an increase of 350,000
b/d from December's 27.75 million b/d, according to a
Platts survey of OPEC and oil-industry officials.
The February 6 survey found that output from the 10
members bound by quotas rose by 300,000 b/d to average
26.15 million b/d in January--1.65 million b/d more than
their 24.5 million b/d ceiling.
All members increased production except for Algeria, where
output remained steady at 1.17 million b/d, and Indonesia,
whose production dipped below the 1 million b/d mark to
average 990,000 b/d over the month. Increases ranged from
Venezuela's 10,000 b/d to 80,000 b/d in the case of Saudi
Arabia.
OPEC is scheduled to meet again on March 31. |
| |
|
Promote E85 Fuel |
|
|
-
by Sonja Hillgren of
Farm Journal
For a human spark plug, Tim Gerlach is an unassuming
fellow. One reason for his modesty is that his state’s
success is built on teamwork. To promote E85, the mix of
85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, Gerlach coordinates efforts
by Minnesota farmers, ethanol producers, the National
Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC), automakers and dealers,
state officials and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean
Cities program. The result is that Minnesota has 90
locations that sell E85, roughly half of the total
nationwide. Another explanation for Gerlach’s modesty:
There remain about 2,400 service stations in Minnesota to
convert.
I began thinking about this embryonic success while
worrying that enthusiastic farmer-investors in ethanol
plants are in danger of boosting supplies beyond demand,
whether or not an energy bill is enacted. So it seems to
me that farmers and their families ought to do everything
possible to spur grass-roots demand for E85.
Gerlach, who handles outdoor air programs for the American
Lung Association of Minnesota, has a blueprint that works.
County and state farm groups, FFA and 4-H chapters, local
service organizations and committed individuals can follow
his lead.
• The first step is to buy flexible-fuel vehicles (FFV)
that can run on either gasoline or E85. Made by Ford,
General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Mazda and Isuzu, these
vehicles number about 3 million so far.
• Then ask local auto dealers to promote these vehicles.
“The smart dealers are starting to tell their salespeople
to use E85 as a marketing tool,” says Gerlach, who has
been driving an FFV Ford Taurus since 1997.
• When you approach service stations to sell E85, offer to
pump and promote the fuel with its introduction. Minnesota
Corn Growers Association members have been effective
ambassadors at service stations that promote E85 for 85¢
per gallon. For stations and E85 advocates, the NEVC (www.e85fuel.com)
produces materials that explain how to convert fuel
equipment.
• Enlist ethanol producers. In Minnesota, the task was
made easier when Chippewa Valley Ethanol Co., Marathon
Ashland Petroleum LLC and C&N Ethanol began blending and
marketing E85.
• Seek grants from farm organizations, nonprofits, and
local, state and federal government to help with public
education.
• Think of unique promotions. Champion ultra-marathoner
Tom Andrews ran 500 miles from Fargo, N.D., to the
Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul to promote E85. And,
advocates installed an interactive E85 kiosk in the
Minneapolis–St. Paul airport. “We keep pushing E85 ahead
here but are looking for other states to do the same … we
don’t want Minnesota to be an E85 island,” says Gerlach (tim.gerlach@alamn.org). |
| |
|
Support
Renewable Fuels – Join the NEVC |
|
|
|
In order for our efforts
to advance the use of domestic-renewable forms of
transportation fuel, the
NEVC needs individuals and organizations like you to help
in promoting this alternative fuel. We can’t do it
alone! We ask for your support in helping us in our
effort to make E85 a more predominantly known and used
fuel. We would like to make the year 2004 a
milestone in E85 education, infrastructure and use.
Please consider joining the NEVC to assist us in meeting
these goals.
Each new
member receives:
1. The nation’s only bi-monthly electronic publication,
“FYI”, that is dedicated to the use of
E85 as a form of alternative transportation fuel. Keep up
to date on legislation, rulemaking, and other important
issues.
2. Eligibility
to receive discounts, if offered, from automakers when
purchasing an E85 vehicle. During the past 60
days, 20 members of the NEVC received discounts of up to
$2,000 that could be used towards the purchase of a
General Motors vehicle. These coupons are made
available to our members on a first come-first served
basis.
3. All
press releases, special publications, and other
announcements prepared by the NEVC.
4. An
advisory role in any NEVC standing committees.
5. Unlimited access to all materials and information included
in the NEVC E85 web site:
www.E85fuel.com.
6. Knowledge
that your support of ethanol as a form of alternative
transportation fuel is being heard by your elected
officials.
7. An
invitation to attend the NEVC Annual Meetings and other
NEVC functions as scheduled.
8. Eligibility
for discounted promotional items such as bumper stickers,
banners, and other E85 materials.
9. A complimentary NEVC
cap or T-shirt indicating your
support for E85.
Click here
and JOIN TODAY! |
| |
|
Letters
to the NEVC |
|
|
|
 |
Letters to the NEVC -
This section highlights emails that the NEVC has recently
received. Many of the comments or suggestions that
we receive are of interest to a wider audience and we
would like to share them with our readers. |
|
We’ll Be
in Vegas
Hi Michelle,
Just received the letter inviting me to the E85 Hospitality
Reception and Press Conference in Vegas on March 1st. My
wife and I would be happy to attend again this year. We
attended last year with some other members of the Michigan
Corn Marketing Board members, and really enjoyed the press
conference, and of course the social evening too.
Looking forward to seeing you there,
Steven and Diane Errer
Michigan Corn Marketing Board Member
I Believe
in E85
To whom
it may concern,
About three and a half years age, I bought a Ford Ranger
pickup. In the negotiation process, the sales
representative indicated that it was flexible-fuel
vehicle. As this was the first time my wife and I had
even heard of such a vehicle, we inquired further as to
the meaning of Flexible Fuel Vehicles and the composition
of E85 ethanol gasoline. As we had grandchildren and
wanted clean air for them to breath, we thought this was a
good idea. What also impressed us was the fact that 85%
of the fuel was of a renewable source, a way to increase
the volume of the world's fuel supply.
After
using E85 for several years, I determined that, to be
economical due to the reduced mileage from using E85, the
price of the E85 needs to be about $.15 cheaper than the
regular unleaded gasoline.
Recently, the price of E85 at the gas stations that I
usually stop at has been the same as regular unleaded
gasoline. There were even other gas stations in the area
that were selling regular unleaded gas for less than E85.
This is not economical enough to warrant the use of E85.
I know and realize the importance of clean air for our
future generations, and I think that E85 fuel is a major
step in accomplishing that. E85 is also a great step in
reducing our dependence on foreign oil. But it needs to be
as economical as the regular fuels to make an impression
on the public. In these economic hard times for many
people and families, unfortunately, the pocket book is
what they are going to think of first. With E85 at or
above the price of unleaded regular gasoline, most people
will choose the gasoline they can get the most out of.
I don't
know what "clout" your organization may or may not have,
but, you can add my concerns to your efforts to keep E85 a
viable alternative. If there is anything else you would
like from me, please feel free to contact me at this
e-mail address.
Yours
Truly,
Carl
What
Can I Do?
Dear Phil,
After
joining the NEVC and reading of your activities here in
Colorado and across the country, I've decided to take a
more active role in bringing E85 to the Northern Colorado
Front Range. I'm particularly interested in the SEP Grant
Program, available through the DOE, and wanted to know if
anyone has submitted a proposal for funding in this area
through NEVC. There are a lot of great opportunities to
meet with a receptive public, eager to help clean the air
here along the Front Range of Colorado. I would assume
this is a full-time position and recognize at this point
no other activities by individuals in this region, so my
efforts could include any corporate or government fleet
operators willing to adapt and use AFVs.
Along
with these markets, the private sector still has no
concept of what AFVs are or what the program is about.
This area of the country has not had much exposure to E85,
and I intend to see that this changes SOON.
My
question to you would be: How soon do we see more E85
fueling stations along the Front Range, and how can we get
the fuel at a reasonable price? If there are no suppliers
in the area, I can believe where the price might be higher
at the pump. But I believe several projects have been
completed in this region recently, yet I see no evidence
of this. One station in particular near my home, has been
selling E85 for 1.77/gal, well above the price for premium
unleaded fuel, for over a year, where stations in the
Denver area are able to sell E85 for at or below the price
of regular unleaded (1.54/gal). If this program is to be
successful, then price gouging (and I hate using that
term) like this is going to have to stop!!
I plan
to attend the convention in Las Vegas, and hope to meet
with you there. I have a few ideas to help promote E85
here locally, and for others traveling cross-country. I
think this is a great program, and hope to do my part to
see that it prospers.
Douglas
Freier
Loveland, Colorado
Thanks for the emails to the NEVC! Feel free to
email us with your comments at anytime.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
February 20-21, 2004
Petroleum and Convenience-Store Exposition at the Edward
Jones Dome in St Louis, MO. For more information, visit
www.paceexpo.org.
March 1, 2004
NEVC Annual Board and Membership Meeting from 8 a.m. until
noon in Las Vegas, NV. Betting on E85 Hospitality
Reception from 7-10 p.m. To register, contact Michelle
Kautz by phone at (573) 635-8445 or by email at
mkautz@e85fuel.com. Register before February 20,
2004.
March 2-4, 2004
Commodity Classic 2004 in Las Vegas, NV. For more
information, visit
www.commodityclassic.com.
March 5-8, 2004
National Farmers Union Annual Convention at the
Billings Hotel and Convention Center in Billings, MT.
For more information, contact (303) 337-5500.
March 8-11, 2004
8th Annual Western States Clean Cities Conference at the
Westin Hotel Tabor Center in Denver, Colorado. For
more information, contact Tim Cunningham at
(303)
388-4327.
March 15-17, 2004
Midwest Petroleum Marketers Expo in
Omaha, Nebraska. For more information call (515)
224-7545.
April 17-20, 2004
National Association of Fleet Administrators Conference in
Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit
http://www.nafa.org/
May 2-5, 2004
10th Annual National Clean Cities Conference at
Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in
Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit
http://www.ccities.doe.gov/conference/lauderdale/
June 13-15, 2004
14th Annual EPAC Ethanol
Conference at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena, Montana.
For more information, email
shirley@ethanolmt.org.
July 20-22, 2004
FedFleet 2004: The Road to the Future is Now at the Jacob
K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY. For more
information, visit
www.fedfleet.org.
CONTACT US. . .
Please feel free to e-mail your story suggestions,
comments, corrections or clarifications to us at
info@e85fuel.com or
call us toll free at 877-485-8595.
Phillip J. Lampert, Executive Director
info@e85.com
Randa Barker, Director of Administration
info@e85.com
Michelle Kautz, Director of Communications
mkautz@e85fuel.com
Roger
Listenberger, Director of E85 Fuel Networking
rlistenberger@e85fuel.com
Louise
Saucier, Membership Coordinator
lsaucier@e85fuel.com
Christi Vander
Voort, NEVC Iowa E85 Coordinator
cvandervoort@e85fuel.com
You may view this FYI online at
http://www.e85fuel.com/news/index.htm
NEVC promotes the use of 85
percent ethanol as a renewable form of alternative
transportation fuel while enhancing agricultural
profitability, advancing environmental stewardship and
promoting national energy independence. |
|
|
|
