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Florida Consumers Willing to Give Ethanol a Chance


August 2007
 Filed under: FUEL AND ECONOMY Car News | FUEL AND ECONOMY Headlines
Omaha, Neb. (Aug.1, 2007) – Despite a very limited availability in the Sunshine State, Florida consumers appear receptive to purchasing ethanol-enriched fuel at the pumps.

A national survey released by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) found that while Florida has a slightly lower familiarity with ethanol than the national average, more than 70 percent of respondents in the state were likely to purchase the renewable fuel after being provided with relevant information on the topic.

“Our research is proof that Floridians are open to ethanol and there is a consensus among several state leaders that the production and use of ethanol in Florida will be a major benefit to its citizens. We look forward to a resolution on any remaining regulatory hurdles,” said Tom Slunecka, executive director for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC). “More than half the states in America, including California, have recognized the benefits of ethanol and we’re confident that Florida will join the movement yet this year.”
With one of the nation’s fastest growing populations, Florida depends almost exclusively on other states and nations for supplies of oil and gasoline.

“The survey found that compared to the national average, Florida respondents exhibited a higher concern about U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and a greater acceptance of renewable fuels,” said Reece Nanfito, senior director of Marketing for EPIC. “If all consumers have the option to purchase E10 by the end of 2009, the U.S. can anticipate offsetting the need for 14.5 billion gallons of gasoline. This would enable the U.S. to completely eliminate the need to purchase any oil from Iraq.”

Today, ethanol is currently blended in 46% of our nation’s fuel supply with the majority of the fuel being E10, a blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. In many cities, such as Tampa, consumers currently do not have access to purchase E10, although it can be used in any of today’s cars.

“The demand for fuel in Florida continues to grow and consumers need to have the opportunity to make a choice for a more stable energy future,” said Nanfito. “The ethanol industry is prepared to help Floridians to have more renewable fuel options at the pump, as other Americans now have.”

Ethanol is a 100% renewable fuel, distilled from high-starch crops, primarily corn in the United States. By the end of 2007, nearly 140 plants will be producing more than seven billion gallons of ethanol.

E10 is a blend of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol and is approved for use in any vehicle built after 1980. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and can only be used in Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). Leading automakers, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota, have committed to producing 2 million flex-fuel vehicles per year by 2010.

About EPIC:
The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council is a nonprofit organization of ethanol producers and industry leaders who have come together to spread the word about the benefits of ethanol through information and promotional programs.

To learn more about the ethanol, visit www.drivingethanol.org and www.floridaneedsethanol.com

Source: EPIC

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