Green Technology

Star-Tribune reports on the growth record being seen in Minnesota for Ethanol E85 as a alternative to 100% petrol-based fuel.  This growth is being fueled in part by the growing awareness of E85 as an alternative and GM's promotion of flex-fuel vehicles.  ...

...   "Statewide retail sales of ethanol fuel set a record in July as gas prices hovered around $3 a gallon. The state's 288 stations pumped 2.1 million gallons of E85, which is made with 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. That's nearly three times the E85 sold last July ... "   ...

Ethanol E85 Sales Grow in Minnesota: Via Minneapolis St. Paul Star-Tribune: Motorists get pumped up over ethanol

GM's promotion of flex-fuel vehicles ...

General Motors Promotes Greater E85 Consumer Awareness, Use in Minnesota: "General Motors today announced the immediate availability of VE85 refueling pumps to Minneapolis-St. Paul area service stations through a collaborative partnership with VeraSun Energy Corp. The collaboration is part of a broader, national GM campaign to boost the use and awareness of ethanol-based E85 fuel in the United States.  VeraSun announced plans to add 10 new VE85 fueling outlets to the Twin Cities area by summer and announced the following four Minnesota locations that are now offering branded VeraSun E85 fuel including: Freedom Valu Center 4852 at Highway 61 in White Bear Lake; Freedom/SuperAmerica Franchise at 1015 Geneva Ave., N., in Oakdale; Freedom Valu Center at 3810 Silver Lake Rd. N.E., in St. Anthony; and Freedom Valu Center at 1100 Highway 15 S. in Hutchinson.  Minnesota leads the nation in per capita use of renewable fuels like ethanol, and we have been excited to work with General Motors to promote E85 capable vehicles across the state, said Tim Gerlach, director of outdoor air programs for the American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN).  We commend GM's promotion of flexible fuel vehicles and cleaner, renewable-based E85, which together help reduce tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions. "