December 2007 | Choice News

Fuel for Thought

It’s the time of year when people travel to spend time with loved ones during the holiday season, and according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 91 percent of holiday traveling is done by personal vehicle. So, with the massive number of cars on the road during this busy time there is good news for alternative fuel supporters — drivers whose cars are able to run on E85 can now fuel up at more stations.

Currently there are more than 1,130 E85 fueling stations open across the United States, with 160 stations in Illinois. According to projections, the number should double in the coming year. The expansion of E85 availability stalled last year after Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent safety-certification organization, suspended certification of pumps because of concerns that new components on E85 pumps had not been adequately tested. But recently, UL announced the certification requirements.

E85 fuel is good for engines, the environment and the economy. E85 is an alcohol-fuel mixture that contains 85 percent denatured fuel, ethanol (which is non-toxic, water soluble and biodegradable) and gasoline. It has the highest oxygen content of any transportation fuel, which makes it burn cleaner than gasoline. Fewer exhaust emissions result in better air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline.

“This development will move the ethanol industry to the next plateau in helping improve air quality and reduce dependence on foreign fuels. We’ll continue efforts to create both demand for and supply of this clean, homegrown fuel,” says Robert White, Director of Operations for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

With more E85 fueling stations, clean, homegrown fuel will be easier to get. It is just one more step in providing drivers with better fuel alternatives — just in time for holiday travel. Unfortunately, not all cars are able to run on E85 fuel, but visitors can check by visiting E85fuel.com.

— Liz Henschel

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