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Flex Fuel Hybrids



On Wednesday, August 29, 2007, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will join with Ford Motor Company and the Illinois Corn Growers Association to celebrate the State of Illinois purchasing four E85 Escape Hybrids at the Ford Tent during the Farm Progress Show in Decatur. 

The State of Illinois recently purchased four of the new Ford E85 Escape Hybrid models in an effort to emphasize the state�s role in promoting the use of renewable energy.  Ford only produced 20 E85 Escape Hybrid�s, seven of which are being delivered to Illinois.  In addition to the four purchased by the State of Illinois, the Illinois Corn Growers Association also purchased one vehicle and Commonwealth Edison purchased two.

The E85 Escape Hybrid produces approximately 25 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than a gasoline fueled Escape Hybrid, and it runs completely on renewable fuel, which will help reduce Illinois� dependence on foreign oil.

Currently, there are155 gas stations offering E85 in Illinois.  Using E85 supports Illinois farmers and helps create jobs in the manufacturing, blending, and shipping sectors.  It is also cleaner than regular gas, producing fewer harmful emissions and reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.  In addition to environmental benefits, E85 is less expensive than gasoline � on average 41� cheaper per gallon.

�E85 is not only cheaper, but it is grown in our own backyard,� Quinn said.  �Let�s use All-American energy produced by farmers here in the Midwest, rather than relying on the oil produced by the Mideast.�

E85 may only be used in �Flex Fuel Vehicles� (FFVs), which are regular cars, trucks or SUVs with engines that may use either E85 or regular gas.  There are now more than 6 million Flexible Fuel Vehicles in the United States and that number is growing as more vehicle owners learn the value of E85.

The State of Illinois remains committed to renewable energy including E85, and 2,151 State of Illinois vehicles are flexible fuel vehicles that run on E85.  In January 2007, legislation was passed that requires the State of Illinois to only purchase vehicles that are Flex Fuel or Hybrid.

�Ford�s new E85 Escape Hybrid fits well with Illinois� agenda to promote vehicles that are better for the environment and our economy,� Quinn said.  �The state is working hard to promote biofuels infrastructure and the increasing selection of E85, flexible fuel vehicles is making this job easier.�

In partnership with the Ford Motor Company and Illinois Corn Growers, Illinois continues to advance new environmentally friendly technology to promote cleaner air and economic growth by utilizing E85 fuels.

The Lt. Governor will be joined by the Vice President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association of Dwight, Art Bunting; Ford�s Regional Government Affairs Manager for North Central States, Mary Culler; and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, Chuck Hartke.

For more information, including a list of gas stations where you can purchase E85 fuel, visit the Lt. Governor�s website at www.GreenSolutions.il.gov.