Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Joins Other Governors Calling on Automakers to Increase E85 Vehicle Production
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today joined governors from across the country to recognize automakers for producing more flexible fuel vehicles and calling on the auto industry to step up production of even more vehicles that operate on 85 percent ethanol or E85.
“If we are serious about moving away from foreign oil suppliers by increasing ethanol use, the auto industry must continue to stand with us in this effort,“ Blunt said. “I am pleased to join with other governors today to recognize auto manufacturers for what they have already achieved and to ask them to step up production of E85 vehicles and offer a wider range of ethanol friendly cars that are both affordable and appealing to customers.“
The call to step up production of E85 vehicles follows a meeting of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition. The group is made up of governors from across the nation who are working together to increase the use of ethanol based fuels, decrease the nation's dependence on imported energy resources, improve the environment and stimulate the national economy. Today coalition members, including Blunt, presented auto manufacturers with a resolution reiterating their commendation for the 5 million vehicles operating in the United States that are already capable of using E85, calling on automakers to manufacture more vehicles and models capable of operating on E85 and supporting public policy measures that contribute to added infrastructure for the use of E85.
Last week Blunt toured Missouri to highlight his proposal to require all gasoline for motor vehicle use sold in the state to contain 10 percent ethanol (E-10). Minnesota, Montana and Hawaii have already enacted an E-10 requirement.
Blunt is the first Missouri Governor to include full funding for the Ethanol Incentive Fund in his budget to the General Assembly. The budget Blunt signed last year included the full $5.3 million in funding for the year as well as $2.7 million of the funds owed from previous years.
For more information about the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition visit http://www.ethanol-gec.org.
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