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New GATE Store Ushers in E15 Fuel, Price-cut, in Jacksonville


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 14, 2016 -- Continuing its eastward expansion, E15, along with E85, is now available at its first multi-blend station in Jacksonville, Fla. With the opening of its new store at 7099 Collins Rd., GATE Petroleum Company will now offer both E85 and E15 products. To celebrate its grand opening, Protec Fuel and GATE offer a fuel price discount, giveaways and fun activities. From 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. today, July 14, the company is offering E15 fuel for $.15 under regular gasoline pricing, and E85 for $.85 under regular gas.

GATE introduces the higher-octane E15 ethanol blend to north Florida today, along with E85 fuel, which can both be used in Flex-Fuel vehicles (typically, though, E15 can run in any 2001 and newer gasoline vehicle). This marks important growth of emissions-reducing, renewable fuels in this area. Per Florida regulations, all 2001 or newer gasoline engines can run E15 starting Sept. 16; current regulations only allow the use of E15 in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) between June 1 and Sept. 16. 

"GATE is proud to offer our customers the broadest range of gasoline products in Northeast Florida at our new, state-of-the-art store on Collins Road," said Mitchell Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer for GATE Petroleum.

"We believe the versatility of the fuel options being offered will be key to many gasoline retailers," said Steve Walk, VP of Business Development, Protec. "The station is positioned well to serve a variety of fuel customers. Drivers want to stop at a nice, new store, and now they can be assured the fuel they want most will be there."

"The North Florida Clean Fuels Coalition (NFCCC) is always delighted when an additional alternative fuel becomes available in our region," said Wanda Forrest, Coordinator. "This gives motorists another option and helps reduce the reliance on foreign oil which is the mission of the Clean Fuels program."

E15, an 88-octane blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, is the most widely tested fuel ever sold to consumers. The ethanol portion of these fuels is 100% U.S.-made and supports jobs and keeps money in local communities. Ethanol burns cleaner in engines, which helps the performance level of the vehicle. It also can extend the life of the engine. Since E15 can run in any 2001 or newer gasoline engine, that equates to 80% of vehicles in the U.S.

Over 90 percent of the gasoline in the U.S. is 10% ethanol and many drivers are unaware they've been using E10 for years.

E85 is an alternative fuel blend that can be used in over 18.5 million vehicles across the U.S. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline that can be used in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). There are over 100 FFV models on the market today that can run on E85. Visit www.flexfinder.org to see if you have an FFV. Click here for further E85 station locations (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations). This alternative has been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon by 34%.

About Protec Fuel:  Protec Fuel is a fuel distribution and management company based in Boca Raton, Fla., specializing in turnkey ethanol programs for retailers, fleets and fuel distributors throughout the U.S., including ethanol supply and station installation. www.protecfuel.com

About GATE Petroleum Company: GATE is a heavily diversified company headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., operating in a variety of industries including retail convenience stores, and fleet and fuel services. www.myGATEstore.com

NFCCC: http://northfloridatpo.com/clean-fuels