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National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition - FYI Newsletter, Volume 6, Issue 13

November 12, 2001

Our prayers and sympathies go out to all the victims and their families of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11.  We applaud the actions of all who support our country in this trying time!

We would like to apologize for the interruption of the “FYI” since August 17, 2001. We have been diligently trying to make improvements to NEVC.

  IN THIS ISSUE. . .


  Beating Gas Prices with American Technology
  GEC to Hold International Development Seminar on Fuel Ethanol
  Governor of South Carolina Supports Alternative Fuels
  Daimler-Chrysler Soon to Produce 1 Million 85 Vehicles
  NEVC Works for E85 Infrastructure Funds
  NEVC Attends South Carolina Fleet Managers Conference
  E85 Promotion Held in Minnesota
  New NEVC Staff Member
  NEVC Calendar


BEATING GAS PRICES WITH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY

  Here, for a change, is good news about gas prices. Researchers have found a way to get more miles per gallon of gas - and per dollar.
 
  Their solution is a renewable source of energy made up of 85 percent ethanol - a product of corn - and 15 percent gasoline. In addition to being less harmful to the environment than gasoline, this E85, as it’s called, is generally priced five to 50 cents a gallon less than gasoline throughout the United States.
 
  This decreased cost comes from modern biotechnology and dramatic improvements in the ethanol fermentation process. In addition, farmers are increasing yields through the use of conservation tillage and seeds with built-in biotech traits. Seed companies are exploring ways to modify corn plants to yield more high quality ethanol per bushel of corn while future advances in biotechnology are expected to allow us to extract ethanol from industrial, agricultural and urban waste products, including saw dust, corn stalk residues, compost and yard clippings.
 
  Even before these advances occur, however, American cornfields produce almost two billion gallons of ethanol each year. Today, the majority of ethanol is blended with gasoline at 10 percent, but 1.5 million flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) on the road today can run on E85 fuel, as well as regular gasoline. These include cars and trucks from Ford Motor Company, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.
 
  There are hundreds of E85 fueling sites in the United States and that number is growing each year. Congress is considering funding the development of hundreds more (see related article). The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) is currently working with fuel retailers across the nation to assist in more pump installations to make fueling with E85 more convenient and cost-effective for consumers. More E85 sites will mean more cost-effective choices for consumers each time they fill up their cars.
 
  This homegrown fuel reduces this nation’s dependence on foreign oil, improves air quality and helps the American farmer.
 
  You can learn whether your vehicle can use E85 and find the nearest fueling location online at www.E85fuel.com.

GEC TO HOLD INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR ON FUEL ETHANOL IN WASHINGTON, DC

  The State of Wisconsin on behalf of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition - International Committee will host the International Development Seminar on Fuel Ethanol on December 13, 2001 in Washington, DC. This event is being sponsored by the US Department of Energy.
 
  The Seminar will promote the importance of fuel ethanol as a fundamental component for:

  • Improving air and water pollution

  • Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

  • Stimulating employment in rural areas

  • Generating agricultural income

  • Reducing foreign energy dependence

  • Improving human health

The latest information and case study experience from countries around the globe will be presented to demonstrate ethanol’s impact on environmental, economic and energy security concerns.
 
  David Garman, Assistant Secretary of Energy and Efficiency of the U.S. Department of Energy will present the keynote address.
 
  Key international speakers with experience in developing ethanol programs will provide market data and analysis on ethanol production and fuel use related to such topics as:

  • Addressing Ethanol’s Possibilities - discussion of current problems and ethanol’s potential regarding rural economy, energy security, health and the environment.

  • Understanding the Impact of Externalities: Case Studies from Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Sweden.

  • Current and Emerging Ethanol Markets: Thailand and Columbia

  • Economics of Current Ethanol Production Technologies: Sugar Cane, Corn and Cellulosic Biomass.

  The Seminar will conclude with a Roundtable Forum, which will provide the opportunity for all speakers and attendees to discuss ideas and future actions.
 
  Representatives from environmental and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), embassies, international financial and development institutions, the ethanol industry and policy makers are invited to attend.
 
  There will be an Opening Reception on December 13th hosted by the Brazilian Embassy. An Evening Reception hosted by the Québec Government will follow the Seminar.
  To register for the International Development Seminar on Fuel Ethanol on December 14, 2001 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC, contact Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. at (703) 322-4484!

GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLINA SUPPORTS ALTERNATIVE FUELS!

  South Carolina’s Governor Jim Hodges signed an Executive Order at the grand opening ceremony of United Energy Distributors, Inc.’s alternative fuel facility on October 19. Governor Hodges was attending the grand opening and dedication of the new biofuels public fueling site in operation in Aiken, S.C. This is the first public fueling site in the nation that offers both E85 and biodiesel to the general public.
 
  The Executive Order stated:
 
  Whereas, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US clearly demonstrate the fragility of the international oil distribution system, and political instability will be a hallmark of the Middle East for years to come; and
 
  Whereas, the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (“EPAct”) identified a need for increased availability of indigenously produced alternative fuels as part of an overall effort to reduce dependence on foreign oil and improve air quality; and
 
  Whereas, EPAct mandates that alternative fuel vehicles must constitute 75% of annual state fleet purchases; and
 
  Whereas, EPAct identifies, among others, ethanol and biodiesel fuels as alternative fuels, and United States Department of Agriculture research revealed that South Carolina can produce both; and
 
  Whereas, ethanol and biodiesel fuels can become a viable industry to diversify crop production and offer financially lucrative alternatives for South Carolina farmers; and
 
  Whereas, South Carolina’s Clean Cities Coalitions surveyed government agencies and private companies in their regions, and identified over one thousand alternative fuel vehicles but only one publicly available refueling station.
 
  Now therefore, I do hereby:
 
  Strongly support the efforts of South Carolina’s Clean Cities Coalitions and private business to increase the use of alternative fuels in South Carolina.
 
  Whenever practical and economically feasible, require all state agencies operating alternative fuel vehicles to use alternative fuels.
 
  Signed: Governor Jim Hodges
 
  Governor Hodges and the state of South Carolina are members of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition and the Southern States Energy Board. United Energy Distributors is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition. The NEVC wishes to congratulate Red Roberts, owner of United Energy, for his leadership and foresight in establishing this first of its kind alternative fueling site.

DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SOON TO PRODUCE 1 MILLIONTH E85 VEHICLE

  At the conclusion of Model Year 2001, Daimler-Chrysler had produced 840,145 E85 flexible fuel minivans. This represents the largest production of E85 vehicles by any automaker. According to DC officials, they expect to reach the one million-vehicle production milestone in early 2002.
 
  The late Governor Mel Carnahan participated in the kickoff of the Chrysler E85 minivan production at a 1998 Governors’ Ethanol Coalition meeting which was held in Kansas City, KA.
 
  Manufacturing plants in Windsor, Ontario and Fenton, Missouri are the only plants that produce these vehicles.

NEVC WORKS FOR E85 INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS $2,000,000 APPROPRIATED

  As we have reported in past issues of the FYI, the NEVC, our members, and partners have been working with the Congress to secure funds to advance the establishment of E85 fueling infrastructure. As a result of efforts lead by Senator Hagel of Nebraska, Senator Burns of Montana, and Senator Dorgan of North Dakota, the Congress has made $2,000,000 available to the Dept. of Energy in an effort to support the development of additional E85 fueling infrastructures.
 
  The final FY 2002 Interior Appropriation bills include these additional funds. Unfortunately, the NEVC was unable to receive the “direct appropriation” that we requested. While we are disappointed that an “earmark” was not made, the conferees included the following language in the final report: “no funds are earmarked in the Clean Cities program for increasing E85 fueling capacity. The managers encourage the Department to give careful consideration to proposals that would help increase such capacity.”
 
  While the President has yet to sign any of the 2002 Appropriation bills, there is little likelihood of a change in the Interior Bill. NEVC officials have already met with DOE staff to discuss the most appropriate mechanism to advance E85 infrastructure development pursuant to the intent of the members of the Conference Committee. As discussions are finalized regarding this matter, we will keep you informed. For more information, please contact the NEVC staff.

NEVC ATTENDS SOUTH CAROLINA FLEET MANAGERS CONFERENCE

In mid October, Phil Lampert participated in the annual South Carolina Government Fleet Management Association annual conference. Phil served as the keynote speaker to open up the event and also made a presentation describing the benefits and pitfalls of the various forms of alternative fuels. In keeping with the policy of being advocates of all forms of alternative transportation fuels, the NEVC encouraged the more than 150 government fleet operators to consider the use of E85, LPG, CNG, and biodiesel, all of which are excellent forms of alternative fuel. The fleet managers were encouraged to consider the application of each form of alternative fuel in the different classes of vehicles and not be wed to any one form of fuel. Obviously, the NEVC strongly believes that E85 is the fuel of choice for light-duty vehicles, those with a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,500 lbs. or less.

E85 PROMOTION HELD IN MINNESOTA

 An E85 promotion was held in Albert Lea, Minnesota on Oct. 24, which gave the first ten gallons of E85 free. Sponsors included the Freeborn County Co-Op Cenex, EXOL, and the MN E85 Team. Four hundred twenty-eight gallons of E85 were pumped in two hours with forty FFVs including several first-timers. Promotions for the event included twenty-eight radio commercials, two newspaper advertisements and a special mention in Representative Dan Dorman’s weekly newspaper column. Media attending the event included: KAAL TV of Austin and a reporter from the Albert Lea Tribune. Fueled also was their first GM 5.3L Suburban FFV! A special thank you goes to Jenni Wescott and the folks at EXOL ethanol plant for their assistance with the event.

NEW NEVC STAFF MEMBER

  Michelle Saab joined the NEVC staff on October 16. Michelle replaces Laurel Dunwoody as the Director of Communications for NEVC.
 
  She was previously employed as the editor for the Disaster Recovery Journal in St. Louis. The Disaster Recovery Journal is the first publication dedicated to the field of disaster recovery and business continuity.
 
  Saab brings the NEVC much experience. She graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Mass Media. She worked as a Marketing Director for a medical firm in Illinois. She developed the marketing plan at the firm, which worked along with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
 
  At the Disaster Recovery Journal, Saab designed the magazine, wrote articles and created advertisements.
 
  Feel free to contact Michelle at any time.

NEVC CALENDAR

  November 14, 2001
  Grand Opening of new E85 station in Fort Meade, Maryland
 
  November 22-23, 2001
  Thanksgiving Holiday - NEVC offices closed
 
  December 5, 2001
  Grand Opening of new E85 refueling site in Denver, Colorado
 
  December 11, 2001
  Governors’ Ethanol Coalition meeting - Greensboro, North Carolina
 
  December 12, 2001
  EPAC Conference - Greensboro, North Carolina

CONTACT US. . .

  Please feel free to e-mail your story suggestions to us at info@e85fuel.com or call us anytime.
 
  Phillip J. Lampert, Executive Director
  info@e85.com
 
  Michelle Saab, Director of Communications
  info@e85.com
 
  Randa Barker, Director of Administration
  info@e85.com