Governor's Ethanol Coalition Announces Grand Opening of Alternative Fuel Station

DENVER--Sept. 21, 2006--The Governor's E85 Coalition and the Denver Metro area are celebrating today's opening of two new alternative fuels' pumps at the Hill Petroleum Sinclair Oil Station, located in Arvada. The station will carry E85, a blended mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline, and biodiesel.

"Coloradans are getting more choices at the pump, and many citizens are purchasing vehicles that can use E85," said Governor Bill Owens. "These cleaner burning fuels stimulate economic development for our rural communities and help promote energy independence."

The cost to modify the existing fuel station with both E85 and biodiesel was approximately $100,000. "We are eligible for state and federal tax credits and the E85 Coalition also provided support," said Troy Hill, vice president of Hill Petroleum and a member of the E85 Coalition's Steering Committee. "Our family business, open since 1982, is excited to offer alternative fuels at the retail pump for the first time. We are now able to meet the market demand for these fuels."

Across the USA, over six million Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) can use E85 and most diesel engines can use biodiesel without any modifications. In addition, these alternative fuels also bring environmental benefits to Colorado as they are cleaner burning than other transportation fuels. Increased usage of E85 and biodiesel will help reduce tail pipe emissions.

The Grand Opening is open to the public and will feature general information, exhibits and experts available to provide information pertaining to these biofuels. Several local dealerships will exhibit cars and trucks, such as the FFVs using E85, and the diesel engine vehicles.

Service stations interested in installing E85 pumps and tanks may be eligible for funding and marketing through the E85 Coalition, and may also be eligible for tax credits from the State and Federal governments. To learn more about E85 pump installations and the E85 Coalition, please contact Gerry Harrow at (970) 405-6691, or visit OEMC's website at www.colorado.gov/oemc .

For more information or to RSVP, contact Megan Castle at (303)866-2262. The Grand Opening Event will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hill Petroleum Sinclair Oil Station, 6301 West 58th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado.