ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota state government agencies are on a pace to double their use of E-85 in 2007, according to new figures released today by the Department of Administration. State agencies purchased nearly 167,000 gallons of E-85 from retailers during the first half of 2007, surpassing the 165,000 gallons bought in all of 2006. Two of the state’s larger fleet operators, the Department of Agriculture and the Pollution Control Agency, are using more than 25 percent E-85 for their fuel needs.

“State government is using more E-85, which is good for farmers, the environment, and Minnesota,” said Governor Tim Pawlenty. “We can do even better, and state agencies are continuing their efforts toward using E-85 instead of gasoline.”

Retail purchases of E-85 (a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) now account for 6.3 percent of overall state fuel purchases, compared with 3.2 percent last year. Year-over-year retail gasoline purchases are also declining, from 5.4 million gallons in 2005 to 5.08 million gallons in 2006.

Approximately 50 percent of state passenger vehicles, primarily cars and minivans, are equipped with flex-fuel technology and can use either E-85 or unleaded gasoline. The lack of heavier-duty flex-fuel models has impeded the state’s use of E-85; however, manufacturers are expanding their flex-fuel offerings. Flex-fuel police cars will be available from two manufacturers in the 2008 model year.

The availability of E-85 at more than 300 retailers statewide is also helping raise the state’s use of the fuel. In 2005, E-85 was available at only about 100 retailers, concentrated mostly in southern and central Minnesota. Today, E-85 is available from Ada to Worthington and Browns Valley to Duluth.