Press Release - Governor Kaine Announces Expanded Use of Ethanol-Based Fuel in State-Owned Vehicles

Press Release - Governor Kaine Announces Expanded Use of Ethanol-Based Fuel in State-Owned Vehicles

- Governor cites importance of state-federal and public-private partnerships: Small, woman-owned, and minority-owned businesses vital component of project -

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced an initiative that will enable 1,300 state-owned vehicles to use an environmentally sensitive alternative to gasoline, designed to improve air quality and help the state reduce petroleum consumption. Partnerships established by the Virginia Department of General Services and the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy with the federal government and General Motors Corporation will make alternative fuel available to state and local governments and the citizens of Virginia.

Held at Virginia's first state-owned E85 fueling dispensing location in Richmond, today's announcement included representatives from several state agencies, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), General Motors Corporation, and several businesses and organizations that are helping to make alternative fuel accessible. The Virginia E85 Fueling Infrastructure Project initially establishes three sites for government-owned vehicles to get fuel, which is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The first state-owned E85 fuel dispensing facility is located at the Department of General Services Office of Fleet Management Services in Richmond. Additional locations to service government-owned and operated flex fuel vehicles, which can run on gas or E85, will include Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads regions.

Because it consists primarily of ethanol, which is produced domestically from corn, E85 burns cleaner than gasoline. It results in fewer emissions of smog-related pollutants and greenhouse gases, and can decrease the incidence of respiratory illnesses caused by poor air quality.

"This is a safer, cleaner energy option that also contributes to a healthier Virginia," Governor Kaine said. "These alliances say something very important about the Commonwealth: that we understand the power of creating partnership opportunities with the private sector and the federal government that promote sound policies."

The partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) allows approximately 3,000 GSA-owned flex fuel vehicles assigned to federal offices in Virginia to access state-owned E85 fuel dispensing locations.

"Many federal interstate travelers conducting business along the I-95 corridor are unable to refuel with E85, due to the limited number of E85 refueling facilities," said John L. Smith, Director of Fleet Management Mid-Atlantic Region for GSA. "This partnership allows GSA to direct those vehicles to a facility that accepts the U.S. government-issued credit card and allows the opportunity for the federal government to use E85 fuel more often."

The state Department of General Services is also working with several other federal agencies that own and operate flex fuel vehicles in order to develop additional fuel sites.

"We are showing that the state and federal governments, working toward a common purpose, can turn potential opportunity into constructive, positive action," said Richard F. Sliwoski, P.E., Director of the Virginia Department of General Services.

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) and General Motors are working on a program aimed at delivering the benefits of E85 to Virginia consumers. DMME has received a federal grant enabling it to provide up to 12 retail stations along the Interstate 95/Interstate 64 corridors. This ultimately will make E85 available to about 15,000 public and private vehicles - reducing gasoline consumption by an estimated 530,000 gallons each month. The project will be integrated with GM's "Live Green, Go Yellow" campaign, whose focus is helping private retailers convert their existing gasoline tanks to E85. Initially, the campaign will target four areas: Chesapeake, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and Roanoke.

"GM already has over two million vehicles on the road today that are capable of using E85 ethanol fuel," said Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president of environment and energy. "We appreciate the support of Governor Kaine and the Commonwealth of Virginia as we continue to promote the use of E85 and its many benefits for the environment, the economy and consumers."

Making today's announcement possible were five small, woman-owned, or minority-owned companies that were involved in the project, including building and providing contracting services for the state's first-ever E85 tank; providing and transporting the fuel; and providing two flex fuel vehicles used by Governor Kaine's office.

"Small, woman-owned, or minority-owned businesses will continue to be a vital component in this project," Governor Kaine said. "By combining two key initiatives - flex fuel and diversity in state procurement - we have succeeded in further expanding the reach and impact of our services."

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=269