July gasoline sales in Minnesota down 9% while E85 jumps 16%
One of the few places in the United States where E85 is making any significant retail headway is Minnesota. Of course the fact that a lot of corn is grown and processed there and the region has more E85 pumps than anywhere is in the country helps. In July of this year gasoline sales in the state were down nine percent compared to the same month in 2007. At the same time, E85 sales jumped 16 percent. Of course a closer look at the numbers reveals that it's not a simple transition from gas to ethanol. The total amount of fuel used was down significantly due in part to high prices. Gasoline sales dropped by 21 million gallons to 211,982,582 gallons. Even with the increase in ethanol sales, drivers only consumed about 2.5 million gallons of the biofuel. Minnesota currently has about 350 E85 stations, out of about 1,600 nationwide.
[Source: American Lung Association of Minnesota]
Driving Toward Cleaner Air: July Gasoline Sales in Minnesota Decline By 9%, E85 Sales Up 16%
SAINT PAUL, Minn., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an interesting snapshot of Minnesotans' changing driving habits, retail sales of gasoline in July 2008 showed a ten percent decline compared to sales in July 2007. According to figures for the Minnesota Department of Commerce, motorists bought 211,982,582 gallons of gasoline in July, compared to 233,081,981 gallons last July. As gasoline sales declined, the amount of ethanol-based E85 sold during the same period increased by 16 percent. To-date, E85 sales are approximately 16% greater in 2008 than they were at this time last year. Monthly sales of cleaner-burning E85 are averaging roughly 2 - 2.5 million gallons a month. E85 is designed for flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can use either E85 or gasoline; there are an estimated 200,000 flex fuel vehicles in Minnesota.
"A year ago, I don't think anyone would have predicted Minnesota could achieve a trifecta of fuel conservation, increased use of mass transit, and increased sales of cleaner-burning alternative fuels in the middle of what has historically been the peak driving season," said Robert Moffitt, communications director for the American Lung Association of Minnesota. "Since vehicle exhaust is the single largest source of air pollution in Minnesota, the positive impact of these three elements coming together can't help but improve air quality this summer."
While flex fuel vehicles are commonly used in federal, state and local government fleets, most of the E85 sales are for privately owned vehicles, Moffitt said. A complete list of all vehicles that can run on E85 can be found at www.CleanAirChoice.org.
There are approximately 350 stations in Minnesota currently selling E85. The American Lung Association of Minnesota is currently accepting grant applications from fuel retailers who wish to add an E85 or biodiesel pump to their station.
Source: American Lung Association of Minnesota
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bob Moffitt 1:32PM (8/26/2008)
Thanks for the post, Sam. Yes, it is true that E85 sales are a mere fraction of gasoline sales, even in Minnesota. However, the amount of E85 sold increases every year. Right now, roughly 10% of the state's fuel stations offer E85. How much more would be sold if that number was 25%, or 50%, or 75%? It would be interesting to see. Also, the E85 market is limited to the number of FFVs on the road.
E85 isn't for everyone, but if there is a way for us to reduce tailpipe emissions in 200,000 vehicles simply by switching to a cheaper, largely renewable and locally produced fuel, why not?
We are also very happy to see the increase in mass transit, bike commuting and fuel conservation as well as an increase in E85 sales. As I said, it's a "trifecta" of good news for Minnesota.
Reply
JS 12:10PM (9/26/2008)
"trifecta!" - definitely great news. I just moved out of Minnesota for new york (trying it out for a little while...my job) but keep up to date with my news over there. 350 E85 stations is a lot...Which states have barely any? Lets bring Minnesota more to the forefront of things besides for being known for the Twins and the Wolves. Even online I see places dedicated to minnesota. check out: http://www.1carcash.com/minnesota-bad-credit-car-loan/ ...my friends son needed. We need places to focus more on the State and this news is a step in the right direction. The auto/transit industry is changing now because of financial situations around the country so hopefully this growth in MN will continue.
Reply