NCGA’s
Corzine Meets with Auto Reps to Discuss E-85, Flexible Fuel
Vehicles (12-13-04)
Increasing consumer demand for flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) that
use ethanol-blended E-85 fuel was among the top agenda items for
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Leon Corzine
while in Washington, D.C. last week. Corzine met with agriculture
leaders and automotive industry representatives to discuss ways
NCGA can be of assistance to the automotive industry.
E85, an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of
Energy, is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol
and just 15 percent gasoline.
“NCGA has ramped up its efforts to promote E-85 fuel and
will continue to work with the industry and automotive dealers
to promote the fuel and the FFVs throughout the country,” said
Corzine.
Discussions focused on how dealerships can promote E-85 and FFVs
in addition to efforts the state corn grower associations are planning.
“E-85 usage has been somewhat flat, even though the overall
use of ethanol has increased,” Corzine said. “The passage
of the corporate tax bill, which included language that will advance
the E-85 market, will help all those involved promote and build
the infrastructure (E-85 pumps) to support the future demand.”
In addition
to E-85, Corzine said the groups discussed the ongoing energy
policy debate
and the importance of securing a comprehensive
energy policy. “The auto industry is an important ally in
the entire energy package and we were able to address and strategize
about that as well,” he said.