American Lung Association of Upper Midwest Calls for Wider Use of Cleaner, Renewable-Based E85 Fuel

WHEATON, Ill., Feb. 8, 2006 -- On the day that General Motors touts its "Live Green, Go Yellow" campaign to raise awareness of its E85 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) lineup and Ford Motor Company rolled out its prototype E85- capable hybrid-electric Escape at the Chicago Auto Show, the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest (ALA-UM) challenges all automakers to offer more cars, trucks and vans that can run on renewable-based, cleaner-burning E85. E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent gasoline, is designed for use in FFVs of which some 5 million are now on American roadways.

"Our organization is a major proponent of less-polluting fuels and vehicle technologies such as E85 FFVs," said Harold Wimmer, ALA-UM President and CEO. "The states of Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North and South Dakota are already leading the nation in E85 production and use as well as in constructing the necessary refueling network. Now that we can buy E85 at hundreds of stations throughout the Midwest, we need more vehicle choices."

Wimmer recently addressed the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) meeting in San Diego on January 31, offering his organization's support in educating consumers, service station owners and others on the environmental benefits E85, biodiesel and other technologies offer.

"A day when all or most vehicles are built to run on E85 may not be far off," said Tim Gerlach, outdoor air director for ALA-UM. "These are exciting times for advocates of these more sustainable, renewable choices."

There are many hopeful signs for the future of flexible fuel vehicles in the United States. In addition to the national advertising campaigns and unveiling of E85-capable hybrid-electric research vehicles, President Bush spoke of ending the nation's "addiction to foreign oil" and "ethanol vehicles" in his 2006 State of the Union Address.

For more details on E85 and flexible fuel vehicles development in the Midwest, visit CleanAirChoice.org and for national developments, visit the NEVC website at E85Fuel.com .