GoodFuels

Sacramento new ethanol “epicenter”?

Some exciting news out of the California capital earlier this week- 25 new E85 pumps have opened in the area in recent weeks, prompting air quality officials to dub Sacramento the “nation’s ethanol epicenter, at least west of the Mississippi.”

“This is a test market for the state,” (Mary) Nichols (California Air Resources Board Chairwoman) said. “We’re in the early stages of the revolution. Consumers will see a lot of new fuels coming onto the market.”

In addition to being cleaner burning and better for the environment, ethanol is cheaper (by more than 60 cents per gallon!) than gasoline. Who couldn’t use a price break is today’s economic environment?

Tuesday, at the Valero station on Madison Avenue, high-octane E85 was going for $2.26 a gallon, while regular unleaded gas was $2.92, unleaded plus $3.04, and super unleaded $3.14.

Expanding renewable fuel outside of the traditional “corn belt” is key in developing the industry even further than it’s come today. That a city in California is leading this movement is certainly encouraging. Congratulations Sacramento!

If you’d like to know more about E85, where to find E85 in your area, or how to tell if you car is an FFV (flexible fuel vehicle), visit the Renewable Fuels Association’s comprehensive website here.