LANSING – State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) today hailed Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's announcement that 20 new E85 stations will be built across Michigan, giving a boost to the ethanol industry and Michigan farmers as well as helping drive down fuel costs for motorists.
"By giving Michigan residents increased access to E85 fuel, we've made an important step toward becoming pioneers in the development of alternative fuels," Donigan said. "Investing in ethanol boosts our economy, since it can be produced locally with corn we grow ourselves. It also will help ease our dependence on foreign oil."
Granholm today announced a collaborative effort between General Motors Corp., Meijer and CleanFUEL USA to build 20 new E85 stations across Michigan, adding to the five stations that are currently in operation. A new ethanol plant is being built in Riga Township in Lenawee County. It is one of four plants poised to begin production soon. One ethanol plant is already operational in Caro.
Donigan said the announcement is an important step toward boosting Michigan's economy, especially its $60-billion-a-year agriculture sector.
"Michigan is home to one of the largest concentrations of ethanol-ready GM vehicles in the country," Donigan said. "Michigan took the lead in the development of the automotive industry; now we'll lead the way in the development and production of alternative fuels."
E85 vehicles can run on a combination of gas and E85, a blend of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol, a bio-based fuel made from corn and other agricultural biomass. E85 diversifies the nation's fuel source 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.