Kum & Go Becomes First in Missouri to Offer E15

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Kum & Go LC became the first retailer to offer E15 in Missouri. The blend of 15-percent ethanol and 85-percent gasoline is now available at two Springfield, Mo., locations: 5384 S. Campbell Ave. and 1505 N. National Ave.

According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the trade group and the Missouri Corn Growers Association were successful in changing Missouri’s law that previously capped ethanol in fuel at 10 percent, currently considered traditional petroleum as defined under the blend wall. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initially approved E15 blends for cars manufactured in the model year 2001 or later.

“The addition of E15 in the marketplace enables Missouri drivers to access higher levels of renewable fuels,” said Missouri Corn Growers Association President Morris Heitman. “An increase in the use of clean, Missouri-made fuel has positive implications for our economy, our energy security and our environment. We thank Kum & Go for their initiative and look forward to expanding access of this high octane alternative.”

E15 is now sold in 22 states, stated the RFA. Eight gas stations are expected to sell E15 in Missouri by the end of March.

“We applaud Missouri for becoming the latest state to sell E15,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “We look forward to the fuel blend being sold across this country. All we need is EPA to reverse [current] regulations that create an uneven playing field for higher ethanol blends.”

West Des Moines-based Kum & Go LC has more than 430 convenience stores in 11 states.