LANSING - State Representative Dudley Spade (D-Tipton) today hailed a state plan that will create 20 new E85 stations across Michigan, giving a boost to the up-and-coming ethanol industry and Michigan farmers while helping drive down fuel costs and reduce Michigan's dependence on foreign oil.
"This is another important step in making Michigan, especially Lenawee County, a leader in renewable fuels," Spade said. "This home-grown fuel will provide a boost to our farmers and be a huge boon to Michigan's second largest industry. An investment in ethanol is an investment in both Michigan's agricultural industry and our economy."
The state, General Motors Corp., Meijer and CleanFUEL USA are collaborating to build 20 new E85 stations across Michigan, adding to the five stations that are currently in operation. This is good news for Lenawee County, whose new ethanol plant in Riga Township puts the 57th District in position to become the leader in ethanol production in Michigan.
Spade went on to say that the collaboration is crucial to both Michigan's $60-billion-a-year agricultural sector and reducing the State's dependence on foreign oil.
"The key here is independence," Spade said. "We are all tired of wild fluctuations in our gas prices due to the volatility of the foreign oil market. Our state is already home to one of the largest concentrations of ethanol-ready vehicles in the country. Helping our citizens gain access to E85 fuel will not only help lower costs at the pump, it will support this growing Michigan industry. As the leader of innovation in the automotive industry, it is only natural that Michigan also take the lead in adopting, promoting, and growing the use of home-grown, renewable fuels."
E85 vehicles can run on pure gasoline, or on a blend of up to 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol, a bio-based fuel made from corn and other agricultural biomass. E85 diversifies the nation's fuel sources and reduces U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The Detroit News reported today that gas in Michigan is expected to reach $3 a gallon by next week and stay high throughout the summer.
CleanFUEL USA is a leading maker of E85 dispensing equipment.