Noticia de 18 de Abril 2006, para que veais que no es una subida pasajera.
WALKER, MICHIGAN (AP) -- Meijer and General Motors are joining forces to make ethanol-based fuel available at the discount chain's gas stations. The fuel, known as E-85, will be available at about 20 Meijer stores in Michigan.
Meijer, GM and Governor Jennifer Granholm will announce details of the plan today. E-85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15-percent petroleum-based gasoline.
About four million vehicles can use E-85. However, most owners now use regular gasoline because of the scarcity of stations selling E-85. Supporters of the fuel say it can reduce oil imports, cut emissions and help farmers.
Officials have yet to decide which stations will sell E-85.
Governor Jennifer Granholm's office says it has established Renaissance Zones and Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zones to help Michigan's corn-to-ethanol production plant in Caro and four additional plants opening in the immediate future. In total, the plants intend to support approximately 200 jobs and invest $350 million.
Michigan state government also operates a fleet of alternative fuel-capable and hybrid vehicles. "State government currently has about 1,800 vehicles capable of running on ethanol," said Lisa Webb Sharpe, director of the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. "We welcome the introduction of ethanol to Michigan, and we believe that as more stations come on line, the price of fuel will be reduced through competition and increased fuel availability from Michigan’s new ethanol production facilities. Today is a first step in that new direction."
Legislation is also pending that would make ethanol fueling stations more available to the public. "We are working with lawmakers on those proposals, including one that would encourage service station owners and operators to convert existing fuel delivery systems and create new ones all designed to provide E-85 fuel and biodiesel blends," said Granholm.
Posted by AEB
The Associated Press contributed to this report.