News Releases for July 2005
July 6, 2005
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North Dakota Receives E85 Vehicle From General Motors
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today accepted a Chevrolet Avalanche that is being provided to the state for one year by General Motors. The donation is part of a campaign by GM and the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition (GEC) to promote the use of ethanol and to increase awareness of E85 and flexible fuel vehicles. The vehicle will be used by the Corn Utilization Council, Department of Agriculture, the Agriculture Products Utilization Commission, the state office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and the Governor’s office to promote ethanol use in North Dakota.
“The use of E85 fuel is not only environmentally friendly and good for our agriculture industry, it is also good for the pocketbook at up to 70 cents less per gallon than regular gasoline,” said Hoeven. “This vehicle, along with our work to promote our state brand of ethanol, GoE, will increase awareness and utilization of ethanol blended fuel.”
The collaborative effort between GM and the bipartisan GEC is designed to increase awareness of ethanol and flexible fuel vehicles, and to promote the increased use of E85 as a renewable, alternative transportation fuel that is able to meet the demands of today’s drivers. Hoeven served as the chair of the GEC in 2003.
“We are delighted to work with the state of North Dakota and the GEC on this important campaign and we commend the state on its support of ethanol production,” said Doug Dittrich, regional sales manager, GM. “Today’s announcement is the latest demonstration of GM’s commitment to extend our leadership in manufacturing ethanol-capable vehicles. GM will continue to work with organizations like the GEC today and tomorrow, to promote the use of E85 and the many available benefits for the environment, the economy and consumers.”
Also joining Hoeven at today’s event were Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple; Dr. Pat Bergland, Director of the Northern Crops Institute; and representatives from the North Dakota Corn Council.
According to Hoeven, the state is making real progress in expanding the production and use of ethanol. Tomorrow he will be driving to Richardton in the Avalanche to break ground on a new 50 million gallon ethanol plant. Additionally, just last month 47 percent of fuel sold in North Dakota contained a blend of ethanol, up from 30 percent in December.
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