July 2, 2007
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today celebrated Albion's first E85 ethanol and biodiesel pumps at Albion Mobil (Kelly Fuels) and called for Michigan to take the lead in reducing the demand for foreign oil.
"Michigan is moving aggressively to increase the production and use of alternative fuels," Granholm said. "With organizations like NextEnergy, Michigan State University, and others attracting cutting-edge research and development in the ethanol and biofuels industries, Michigan can be the state that reduces our nation's dependence on foreign oil."
Granholm joined with Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Mitch Irwin, Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek), the City of Albion, Sheridan Township, the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Michigan BioDiesel, and Kelly Fuels to celebrate the first E85 and biodiesel pumps in Albion.
Albion Mobil's new E85 pump combines 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline to be used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). The biodiesel pump dispenses a blend of 5 percent soybean oil and 95 percent ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. Alternative fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel reduce negative impacts on the environment, decrease dependence on foreign oil, and positively impact Michigan's economy and employment. The governor has called for 1,000 biofuel pumps dispensing E85 ethanol or biodiesel in the state by 2008 as part of her plan to diversify the economy.
"We must take advantage of this opportunity, this moment, and our rich natural resources, agriculture sector, and high concentration of engineering and science talent in order to strengthen our economy in the 21st century," Granholm said.
The station was awarded a $12,500 grant from NextEnergy Center in Detroit and the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG). NextEnergy, the Clean Energy Coalition, and DLEG provide biofuels grant incentives to stations that convert existing equipment or install new equipment to dispense biodiesel and E85. Kelly Fuels will purchase their ethanol from the locally operated Andersons Ethanol, LLC.
"This is a great, green step forward, and this is part of a wave of alternative energy projects sprouting up across the state," Granholm said.
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