Harkin Urges Oil Companies to Make More E85 Pumps Available and Convenient for Drivers

HARKIN URGES OIL COMPANIES TO MAKE MORE E85 PUMPS AVAILABLE AND CONVENIENT FOR DRIVERS

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today urged major oil companies to ensure fuels made of high percentage blends of ethanol are more readily available at their branded gas stations nationwide. Harkin was joined by Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) in a letter prompted by reports of agreements that prohibit retail gasoline stations from selling ethanol blends, including E-85, or requiring that ethanol be offered to consumers at separate fuel pump islands away from the branded fuel offerings. Harkin asked that oil companies review and reform any such policies so that ethanol is conveniently offered to motoring consumers at gasoline stations across the country.

"Drivers want to use ethanol blended fuel, and they should not have to go to great pains to find it," said Harkin. "Unfortunately, there appear to be road blocks impeding the sale of ethanol, preventing drivers from finding renewable fuels when filling up at the gas pump."

Senator Harkin recently introduced legislation to ensure that within a decade all vehicles sold in the United States are "flex-fuel" vehicles - that is, they are able to use regular gasoline or various ethanol blends up to 85 percent ethanol, known as E-85. With consumer demand growing for ethanol as well as flex-fuel vehicles, making ethanol more widely available at the gasoline pump is a critical element toward increasing use of this environmentally friendly, cost-competitive renewable fuel.

"By expanding driver access to ethanol, we can significantly decrease our reliance on foreign oil while stimulating demand for home grown ethanol," Harkin said. "That's a great deal for America's drivers, the rural economy and the environment."

http://harkin.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=251103