LANSING – State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) today hailed a plan that has General Motors, Meijer and CleanFUEL USA creating 20 new E85 gas stations across Michigan, calling it a boon for Michigan's workers and agricultural sector.
"This plan will give our ethanol industry and farmers a boost, while driving down the cost of fuel for our consumers," Sheltrown said. "By adding 20 new E85 stations, we're showing that Michigan is committed to investing in the fuels of the future. This plan will create good-paying jobs, decrease our dependence on foreign oil and help diversify our economy, which will help it grow."
Gov. Jennifer M. 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. Sheltrown said the announcement is an important step toward boosting Michigan's economy, especially its agriculture sector, which adds $60 billion a year to the state's economy.
"Michigan is a major producer of corn, and now we're poised to become a major producer and distributor of ethanol," Sheltrown said. "Our farmers will have a greater market for their corn, which will put more money into their pockets and, in turn, strengthen our local economy."
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.
"This announcement couldn't come at a better time," Sheltrown said. "As the weather gets warmer, gas prices are already creeping up. These new stations will help reduce the pain at the pump for our residents in northern Michigan."
CleanFUEL USA is a leading maker of E85 dispensing equipment.