In This Issue:

FYI Newsletter Volume 8, Issue 7, May 2, 2003 

•   Congressional Update •   E85 Celebration in Maryland! •   E85 Grand Opening for SLC Community College

•  Missouri Senator Supports Ethanol •   E85 Retailer Package Available •   Letters to the NEVC

The House of Representatives has completed their work on development of new-comprehensive energy legislation.  The NEVC has loaded a copy the engrossed version of H.R. 6 at www.E85Fuel.com.  The Senate Energy Committee has reported it’s version of energy legislation and it is scheduled to begin floor debate on May 6, 2003.

In terms of a Yogi Berra cliché, it seems to be “de ja vu all over again”.  As was the case in the 107^th Congress, the House of Representatives has passed legislation that provides billions of dollars in new incentives to increase production of fossil fuels.  While increased domestic production of petroleum, natural gas and coal is certainly needed, it is our belief that the House has not adequately addressed the ability of alternative fuels to play an important role in meeting the nation’s transportation fuel demands.  The House passed bill provides no new incentives to advance the use of any form of alternative transportation fuel. 

Conversely, Senator Domenici, the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee, has reported out a comprehensive bill, that with a floor amendment, will include new incentives to advance the use of all forms of alternative transportation fuels including E85, biodiesel, compressed natural gas, propane, etc.  These new tax incentives were originally approved by the Senate Finance Committee Chaired by Senator Grassley of Iowa with Senator Baucus of Montana as the Ranking Member.  This bi-partisan plan has been well crafted and not only advances increased domestic production of fossil fuels, but it also recognizes the importance of the use of alternative transportation fuels.

While we subscribe to the statement “Don't count your chickens before they hatch”, we are optimistic that after some debate, the Senate will approve an energy bill that includes these new alternative fuel incentives.  At that point, the differing Senate and House bills will be taken under consideration by a Conference Committee composed of members from each legislative body.  That’s where we get back to last years energy bill.

In early 2002, President Bush called on the Congress to pass new energy legislation based on work that had been completed by an Energy Task force lead by Vice-President Chaney.  Both the House and Senate did ultimately approve versions of new energy policy in 2002, but with the differences, the legislation was once again subject to review by a Conference Committee.  Last year, the Conference Committee was so divided on a number of issues, the Energy Bill not only stalled, but ultimately died in conjunction with the end of the 107^th Congress. 

The NEVC and other groups will be closely monitoring the progress of the Energy Conference Committee and will encourage the members to reconcile the differences in the bills to include new provisions to advance the use of alternative transportation fuels.  As citizens, voters, and interested parties, we have the right, if not the obligation, to provide input to our elected officials as they debate the merits of the use of alternatives to fossil fuels.  This office will pledge to keep you informed as the debate progresses.

E85 Celebration in Maryland

E85 Grand Opening for SLC Community College

The Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) has introduced the clean-burning alternative fuel to their campus.  A 2,000 gallon E85 tank was opened recently for the college, state and federal fleet use.  The Grand Opening Event was held on April 25, 2003.

”There are many reasons why the College implemented this program,” stated Kristine Lundahl from the Public Relations Department at SLCC.  “It is a progressive, environmentally conscious and community-driven program that was the brain child of Edward Benson, the SLCC Fleet Maintenance Supervisor.  When Edward came on board with the college a couple years ago, he became aware of SLCC alternative fuel cars and decided to find a way to fuel them.  He had a vision compatible with the college’s, that is, to be a leader in the economic, cultural and educational life of the greater Salt Lake communities.” 

Speakers at the event included: Steve Saltzgiver, Director, Utah Fleet Operations; J.J. Brown, Agriculture Legislative Aide to Utah Senator Orrin Hatch; Beverly Miller, Director, Salt Lake Clean Cities Coalition; Edward Benson, SLCC Fleet Maintenance Supervisor; Bob Askerlund,  the SLCC Director of Facilities; and David Richardson, Executive Dean of SLCC.

David Richardson, Executive Dean was the SLCC administrator to pump the first E85 in an SLCC car.

JJ. Brown, Legislative aide to Utah Senator Orrin Hatch addressed the audience.

Edward Benson, SLCC Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, spoke at the event.

Missouri Senator Jim Talent visited a Break Time fueling station in Columbia, Missouri on April 24, 2003 to voice his support of renewable fuels. Talent highlighted ethanol as one value-added industry where farmers are taking the lead.

The station, owned by Farm Cooperative MFA Oil, sells biodiesel and E10 (10% ethanol and 90% gasoline).  Ken Caspall, Senior Vice President of Sales (shown with Senator Talent to the right), spoke at the event stating how honored he was to have the support of the Senator.  He also voiced that he would very much like to see E85 sold at MFA Oil in the near future.

Many Missouri Corn Grower Association members, including MCGA President Brent Rockhold, attended the event.  “We are excited to see Senator Talent voice such positive support for the ethanol industry,” said Missouri Corn Grower Association President and NEVC Chairman Emeritus, Gary Marshall.

E85 Retailer Package Available

The NEVC has just produced a new, updated “The Future is Now” brochure.  Click here to view and click here to order your bundle today.

We are now making it easier to open a new E85 station!  A Retailer Package can now be purchased through the NEVC.  All the promotional items can be found in one place.  The materials include such items as E85 brochures, pump toppers, mandatory pump stickers, and E85 pricing signs.  Also available is an informational packet containing important E85 contacts, how to have a successful Grand Opening Event, and much more!  Click here to learn more. 

 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.

Secretary’s Response from Clean Cities Letter
Hampton Roads Clean Cities Coordinator, Nic Van Vuuren, wrote a letter to Secretary Abraham that was published in the March 25, 2003 issue of the FYI.  The letter was written in response to comments the Secretary made in an article from The Hill newspaper.  Assistant Secretary Garman drafted a response to the letter.  A copy of the letter can be found here.

The following letters were written to NEVC Director of Communications, Michelle Saab. 

Octane of E85 vs. Gasoline

Dear Michelle Saab:

The Octane rating of 105 to 110 for E85 that you refer to in the following Q&A is a lot higher than the regular unleaded gasoline rating of 87. Is this a different method of rating octane? Does this mean that there is greater fuel economy or performance when using E85 instead of gasoline? I've certainly never heard of this. In fact I have heard that slightly less power, mileage and pep is to be expected. What gives?

Respectfully,
Tom Welsh

. . .

Tom,

The same method for rating gasoline is used when rating E85.  So, YES, E85 contains a MUCH higher octane rating than regular unleaded gasoline.  When comparing miles per gallon in running a vehicle on gasoline and running a vehicle with E85, the fuel economy is slightly less (about 5-10%) with E85.  This is due to the lesser amount of energy present in E85 than in gasoline.

-Michelle Saab

. . .

Michelle,

Isn't the octane rating of fuels in some way correlated to the amount of energy in the fuel? If so, why is there less energy and more octane in E85?

-Tom

. . .

Tom,

There is absolutely no relationship what so ever between octane and energy.  This is a widely held misconception.  The measurement of octane is simply the anti knock index of fuel.  The higher the octane, the cooler the engines burns which prevents pre-ignition.  Energy is based on BTU content and again, has nothing to do with octane ratings.

- Michelle Saab

E85 in California

Michelle,

Is there a possibility of creating more fueling sites in California?  I am interested in these E85 vehicles, but I'm wondering what timeline you are thinking of for expanding more into the Western states.  Thanks in advance for your help.

- Theresa Odello

. . .

Theresa,

The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition is currently working with the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Food and Agriculture to overcome some certification issues that would allow the establishment of E85 fueling sites in California.  There is much pent up demand for the use of E85 in California from motorists like yourself to federal and state fleets. I would anticipate that we'll overcome of the equipment certification barriers soon and have E85 sites in operation. We here at the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition appreciated your positive comments about the NEVC and E85! 

- Michelle Saab

The following letter was written to an individual representing the MN State Fair.

I love my E85 Vehicle!

I have your e-mail promoting alternative energy and this week-end's program.    I do not see anything in your program about E85...ethanol as an alternative fuel for vehicles.   I own a 2003 Chrysler Sebring that uses E85.  I have driven it throughout the winter using only E85.  My  car is great...it drives beautifully with E85.  I have not used regular gasoline since getting it from the dealer last December although, as you know, one can mix regular gasoline if necessary.    PLEASE...get info about E85 in the week's program!  Thanks.

- Harriet Reiss

Note:  Although not listed in the materials received by Ms. Reiss, the Living Green Expo being held at the MN State Fair Grounds will feature an E85 exhibit (sponsored by the American Lung Association of MN) and flexible fuel vehicles on display.  Last year's event attracted 5000 attendees.  This year's will be a 2-day event, promising to be much larger. 

Thanks for the emails to the NEVC!  Feel free to email us with your comments at anytime.

NEVC Calendar

May 4-7, 2003
25^th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals in Breckenridge, Colorado.  For more information, visit http://www.nrel.gov/biotech_symposium/

May 18-21, 2003
9^th National Clean Cities Conference and Exposition in Palm Springs, CA.  For more information, call (303) 275-4317.

June 11-13, 2003
EPAC’s 13^th Annual Ethanol Conference in Big Sky, MT.  For more information, email shirley@ethanolmt.org.

June 16-19, 2003
BBI International’s International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls, SD.  For more information, visit www.bbiethanol.com or email conferences@bbiethanol.com.

June 24-26, 2003
IMEAC 2003 Conference in Portland, OR at the Oregon Convention Center.  For more information, email Dave Eckberg at help@imeac.org or call (800)315-4333.  

July 30 – August 1, 2003
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Annual Meeting & Ethanol Conference at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls, SD.  For more information, visit www.ethanol.org/conference.htm or email wsburen@ethanol.org.

August 17-24, 2003
Energy 2003 Workshop and Exposition in Orlando, FL.  Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Energy Management Program and co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. General Services Administration.  Visit www.energy2003.ee.doe.gov or call 1-800-395-8574 for more information.

September 21-23,2003
The US Refining and Automotive Industries 2003 and Beyond - Coming Together of Energy, Environmental & Economic Issues in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.  For more information, visit call 1-800-872-3835.

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

Michelle Saab, Director of Communications
info@e85.com

Randa Barker, Director of Administration
info@e85.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.