Washington, DC -The Department of Energy approved a $200,000 grant for the Clean Energy Coalition located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. This grant will be matched by non-federal cost share funds of $280,000.  Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) applauded the grant, which will lead to a minimum of ten E85 dispensers at existing gas stations in Michigan. With the hope of making E85 more available to Michigan citizens, new pumps will be installed while others will be retrofitted. This grant is part of a $1.6 billion investment to support expanded fueling infrastructure for ethanol blends, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The goal of this grant is to reduce the environmental strain which heavy driving areas place on the environment. E85 is a low carbon ethanol, which blends 85% ethanol with 15% gasoline. This fuel combination reduces the greenhouse gas emissions produced by automobiles. The Department of Energy is placing these pumps along key driving corridors and in areas with higher concentrations of flexible fuel vehicles to expand the infrastructure for ethanol blends.

Congressman Dingell, a long-time environmental advocate, said, “Michigan has been hit hard with the recession, but this grant will allow us put people to work while Michigan moves toward a green economy. Michigan has great potential to create a cleaner and sustainable transportation sector. This grant protects the environment, creates jobs, and helps the economy.”

Secretary Chu of the US Department of Energy stated, “Advanced biofuels are crucial to building a clean energy economy. By harnessing the power of science and technology, we can bring new biofuels to the market and develop a cleaner more sustainable transportation sector. This investment will help spur the creation of the domestic bio-industry, while creating jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”