The EPA’s decision to allow E-15 in cars 2007 and newer is an important first step towards moving our nation to Energy Independence. This is an improvement from the E-10 standard that was created in the 1970’s in answer to the first American oil crisis – a crisis created by OPEC. This decision is in support of the goals of Congress from the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act to see demand for renewable fuels in the U.S. reach 36 billion gallons by 2022.

Here in North Dakota, thanks to the vision and leadership of Governor Hoeven and the 2009 Legislature, blender pumps have nearly doubled the usage of renewable fuels in one year’s time. For the 8 month time frame of January to August of 2010 the blender pump initiative has renewable fuel sales of 351,161 gallons compared to 167,025 gallons for the same period of 2009. The fact that the EPA has chosen to allow 2007 vehicles and newer to accept E-15, while denying it for vehicles older than 2001 will add to consumer confusion. North Dakota’s blender pump initiative is a step ahead of the EPA’s E-15 decision.

Neither the Blender Pump initiative nor the E-15 waiver are mandates. E-15 simply removes an arbitrary cap on the ethanol industry. Blender pumps give consumers true choice at the pump by allowing gasoline and ethanol vendors to compete for consumer dollars.

We look forward to working with the governor’s office to continue to change our fueling infrastructure through more blender pumps. We also look forward to continue working with our congressional delegation to get more flexible fuel vehicles on the road. By allowing flexibility in both vehicle and fueling infrastructure, North Dakota will be a model to the rest of the nation to rid ourselves of our overdependence on foreign oil.

 

The North Dakota Corn Council is offering a $2,500 per pump matching grant in addition to the state grant of $5,000.   Guidelines for the state grant can be found at www.blenderpumps.nd.gov

 

Once retailers qualify through the North Dakota Department of Commerce, they are eligible for the $2,500 per pump Corn Council matching grant.

 

 

North Dakota Department of Commerce Biofuel Blender Pump Program Grant

 

 

North Dakota Corn Council Ethanol Blender Pump Matching Grant

 

 

 

For petroleum marketers - This link to the American Coalition of Ethanol is a helpful guide to blending economics, conversion procedures, storage and dispensing, rack prices, technical data, fuel taxes, tax credits and blender pumps.

 

Blending Better Solutions - This link is a helpful guide to petroleum marketers who are looking at mid-level blender pumps.

 

Blender Pump Retailers - To assist you with obtaining the necessary labels for blender pumps installed, this link will guide you to a source or contact our office and we can mail them direct to you.