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Fuel-promotion events boost profile of Unleaded 88, higher-blend biofuels

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Written by Jonathan Eisenthal

In September, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA), in partnership with the American Lung Association (ALA) in Minnesota and county corn grower associations, hosted eight fuel-promotion events.

The events, which took place at fueling stations across the state, highlighted ethanol-blended fuels, such as Unleaded 88, or E15, a fuel containing up to 15% ethanol. It also provided an opportunity for farmers, ALA and MCGA staff to answer drivers’ questions about ethanol-blended fuels.

Fuel station promotional events are just one part of a comprehensive approach in promoting ethanol-blended fuels through Minnesota corn farmers’ investment in the state’s corn check-off.

In addition to promotion events, MCGA has also been working to boost consumer awareness about the benefits of Unleaded 88 and higher-blend biofuels through the Better Fuel Initiative ad campaign. Featuring KFAN “Power Trip” morning show cohost Chris Hawkey, the campaign has included TV, radio, digital and billboard ads throughout Minnesota. Additionally, MCGA has recently launched an online video series that gives Minnesota drivers a primer on the benefits of Unleaded 88 and higher-blend biofuels.

The mass media campaigns have reached millions of Minnesotans, delivering a positive message about the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol-blended fuels. Fuel-promotion events provide a unique opportunity for one-on-one conversations that are also another effective avenue to share information and dispel myths about ethanol.

“When drivers hear from farmers or other ethanol supporters about the benefits of Unleaded 88 and higher-blend biofuels, their interest seems to be increased,” said Mackenzie Boubin, MCGA’s biofuels and industry relations director. She noted that having one-on-one conversations often helps consumers feel more confident in their decision to use them at the pump.

“Not only are we getting them to fill up once at the pump with Unleaded 88,” Boubin said. “We’re also creating an advocate for ethanol-blended fuels who will then tout the benefits in their own community. By creating a grassroots advocate, we’re helping drive further demand for the product.”

[More: Read the latest ethanol news from MCGA]

Benefits of ethanol-blended fuel

Ethanol, which is generally derived from field corn, is blended into most U.S. fuel to reduce air pollution and increase fuel stability, as measured by octane rating.

Unleaded 88 is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in passenger vehicles model year 2001 or newer – that’s nine out of 10 vehicles on the road today. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to regular unleaded by up to 46 percent, boosts octane and is typically 5 cents to 40 cents less expensive per gallon.

Fuels with higher ethanol blends, such as E25, E40 and E85, are approved for use in flex fuel vehicles and offers additional greenhouse gas emission reductions, a higher octane level and an even lower cost per gallon.

Boubin said she’s often asked at events whether cars can use Unleaded 88 and whether it’s safe to mix Unleaded 88 in a gas tank that already has regular unleaded fuel in it. (The answer is yes.) Other questions asked at promotion events include where drivers can find Unleaded 88. Unleaded 88 is available at nearly 400 Minnesota fuel stations; visit mnfuels.com to find a station near you.

The fuel-promotion events appear to be generating a positive response. At an event at a station in Lakeville, 1,100 gallons of Unleaded 88 were sold in two hours alone. To compare, the average Minnesota fueling station carrying Unleaded 88 sells about 1,000 gallons of the fuel per day, according to the state Department of Commerce.

Overall, MCGA’s ethanol-promotion efforts are moving the needle when it comes to sales of ethanol-blended fuels in Minnesota. In June and July Minnesota’s monthly sales of Unleaded 88 reached record per-station levels. Meanwhile, E85 sales have rebounded in 2021 after a decline during the 2020 pandemic year.

Sales of ethanol-blended fuels could continue to grow in future years, because of a $6 million biofuel-infrastructure program the state Legislature approved in 2021, thanks to MCGA’s grassroots advocacy efforts.

The program, to which the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council (MCR&PC) has committed $1 million, would help stations around the state cover the costs of upgrading equipment compatible with higher blends of ethanol.

Based on the most recent sales data from the state Department of Commerce, the program could lead to a 52% increase in Unleaded 88 sales compared to 2020 numbers — equivalent to an increase of 39 million gallons per year.

To learn more about the benefits of E15 and higher-blend biofuels and where you can find them, visit betterfuel.org.

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