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Passing of Transportation Bill Provides Platform for Launch of E85

24 June 1998

Passing of Transportation Bill Provides Platform for Launch of E85

   The Fuel Featuring 85% Ethanol Content Paves Way for New Vehicles and a
                         Clean-Up of the Environment

    MINNEAPOLIS, June 23 -- The federal transportation bill
passed recently will have a significant impact on the future of clean air in
America.  This Congressional vote of support to preserve the ethanol blenders'
credit makes way for the introduction of E85, a fuel containing 85 percent
ethanol with only 15 percent gasoline.  A nationwide launch of E85 will begin
in the Twin Cities later this year.
    Ethanol-blended fuels, created from corn and other renewable resources,
reduce carbon monoxide emissions and greenhouse gas emissions.  E85 provides a
greater reduction in toxic emissions than traditionally blended ethanol fuels,
and it reduces by 85% the carcinogenic compounds emitted from standard
gasoline.
    Automobile manufacturers have begun to produce vehicles designed to run on
E85.  Ford and Chrysler are the first to mass-produce E85 vehicles, with a
production of 500,000 vehicles expected over the next few years.  Other auto
manufacturers are expected to follow.
    Efforts to increase consumer awareness about E85 vehicles and the benefits
of E85 will begin in Minnesota this fall before going nationwide.  More E85
vehicles will become available, drivers will have access to greater
information on E85, and there will be more E85 pumps at gas stations
throughout the state.