Duluth Welcomes National Ethanol Conference With 85-Cent Fuel

Two Area Stations to Sell Cleaner-Burning E85 at Bargain Price Aug. 10, 2004 - 12

DULUTH, Minn., August 2 -- Twin Ports motorists will do a double-take when they see "E85" fuel posted at 85 cents a gallon at two fueling sites in Duluth. Both the Holiday Station store at 9324 W. Skyline Parkway and the Lake Superior ICO at 2516 London Road will discount the fuel on August 10, 11 and 12.

The gasoline alternative, made of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent petroleum, is designed for "flexible fuel vehicles," vehicles designed to use any mix of E85 and/or gasoline. While more than 3.5 million flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are on U.S. roads, many FFV owners are unaware they can use this cleaner, renewable-based fuel made largely from Midwestern corn. The regular price of 105-octane E85 varies by location, but it has been historically equal to or less than regular 87-octane gasoline. The three-day special price is sponsored by the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition and General Motors and is offered while more than 1,200 visitors will be attending the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Ethanol Conference, Trade Show and Annual Meeting at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

In its mission to promote clean outdoor air, the American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN) encourages the use of E85 and other cleaner-burning fuels. "Using E85 instead of traditional gasoline reduces ozone-forming pollution by 20 percent and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent," said Pat McKone, director of ALAMN's northeast Minnesota office. "Here in the Northland, we enjoy some of the cleanest air in the nation; however, as more and more vehicles hit the road, we need to make smarter choices about the fuels we use."

"General Motors is pleased to sponsor the Duluth promotion to encourage consumers to try this homegrown alternative fuel and take advantage of the benefits," said Gary Herwick, director of alternative fuels for General Motors. "Our goal is to educate and encourage industry and consumers to use E85 in their GM flexible fuel vehicles whenever possible."

Todd Sneller, chairman of the NEVC board of directors, added, "We're proud to play a role in educating Duluth motorists about E85. It is especially important for America to diversify its fuel sources at this time of record world oil prices and unrest in the Mideast. E85 offers one solution, a renewable-based fuel that we can produce right here at home."

Any FFV driver can purchase E85 at the discount price during the three-day promotion. To see if your vehicle can use E85, look for a decal under the fuel door. A complete listing of all vehicles that can use E85 can be found at http://www.cleanairchoice.org/ , http://www.e85fuel.com/ or by calling 1-800- LUNG-USA.