Alternative Energy Refueling Systems Act Garners Praise

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), a national industry trade association with nearly 1,500 members nationwide, has praised U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) for introducing the Alternative Energy Refueling Systems Act of 2007 -- a bill that would assist gas station owners in installing alternative fuel pumps through federal grants of up to $30,000.

"The American Coalition for Ethanol is very grateful to Senators Thune and Salazar for introducing the Alternative Energy Refueling Systems Act, legislation that will help the U.S. take great strides forward in making alternative fuels like E85 available to motorists. Expanding infrastructure is of paramount importance to expanding the use of homegrown alternatives to oil," said Brian Jennings, ACE executive vice president. "This legislation recognizes that infrastructure hurdles stand in the way to the widespread use of E85 and provides an important shot in the arm to help develop that critical infrastructure."

Ethanol is blended into 46 percent of America's gasoline, mostly as E10 (10 percent ethanol, 90 percent gasoline), the fuel blend approved for use in all automobiles. E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline), the alternative fuel for use in Flexible Fuel Vehicles, comprises a small but growing amount of America's ethanol consumption. Today, E85 is available at approximately 1,000 gas stations nationwide.

"Ethanol is an immediate, direct way for America to confront its dependence on oil, and ACE applauds the bipartisan leadership shown here that is dedicated to making E85 a choice at more U.S. gas stations," Jennings added. "We are hopeful that Congress will act on this legislation in the near future so that America can continue to benefit from the expansion of the domestic biofuels industry."

The U.S. ethanol industry currently has 113 operating production facilities with a total annual capacity of 5.4 billion gallons. The production and use of ethanol benefits America's agriculture, economy, environment and energy security, the ACE said.
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