Ethanol

Virginia follows the advancement of alternative fuels and looks for opportunities to support ethanol projects. While the use of E85 is gaining momentum, the industry still faces significant challenges. With respect to E85 availability in Virginia, the primary barriers are associated with the availability and cost of the product. These barriers are gradually being overcome through advancements in technology, engineering research/application, and market acceptance/penetration.

 In order to help overcome these barriers, the Commonwealth, in collaboration with various public and private alternative fuel stakeholders is leading a project that calls for the installation of E85 fuel sites near the Commonwealth's population centers. The project is being funded through state and private contributions and a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grant. The project will provide up to 12 retail stations for E-85 fuel along the I-95, I-64 Crescent Corridor that traverses Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia in order to make the alternative fuel available to an estimated 15,000 public and private Flex Fuel Vehicles and displace up to 530,000 gallons of petroleum gasoline on a monthly basis. The project will be integrated with E-85 fueling infrastructure construction plans of state and federal government fleet managers. Project partners include GM, selected fuel suppliers and distributors, three Clean Cities Coalitions, three State Energy Offices, fleet managers, divisions of federal, state and local government, non-profits, and civilian and military segments of the U.S. Armed Services.

Virginia is proud to be participating in the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition. Comprised of over 30 Governors, The Coalition supports the production of ethanol from corn or other domestic, renewable resources using sustainable agricultural methods and encourages its use in environmentally acceptable applications and coordinates a set of activities designed to educate to the public the benefits of ethanol use

Virginia is also engaged in activities aimed at production of alternative fuels. Examples include HB 680, legislation passed last year and funded at $1 million that establishes a Biofuels Production Grant and provides incentives for locating a plant in Virginia. Through our network of research universities and technology sector partners, Virginia is also addressing challenges of the renewable fuel industry with activities such as bio-engineering future energy crops.

Resources:
American Coalition for Ethanol - The grassroots voice of the ethanol industry dedicated to the use and production of ethanol.

Renewable Fuels Association - Promotes policies, regulations and research and development initiatives that will lead to the increased production and use of ethanol.

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