FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2004

ILLINOIS EPA ANNOUNCES GREEN FUEL STATIONS

CHICAGO --- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano today announced the designation of twelve fueling stations, offering E-85 (85 percent ethanol) fuel, as the first Illinois Green Fuels providers in Illinois under Governor Blagojevich’s “Drive Green, Illinois!” umbrella.

Today’s announcement was made as several of the designated stations in the Chicago area are taking part in the “E-85 Fuel for 85 Cents” promotion. The fuel can be used in flexible fuel vehicles. The promotion is being held to promote the use of cleaner burning ethanol fuel and provide a break to motorists from the increasing gas prices. Participating stations will sell the American made E-85 fuel for just 85 cents per gallon from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday (limit 30 gallons per customer).

“The owners of these stations have taken the lead in installing and maintaining the infrastructure to make the clean fuels available for residents and fleet owners of flexible fueled vehicles,” said Director Cipriano. “I commend these stations and would like to encourage other fueling stations to consider taking part in this exciting program that provides a healthier environment for all of Illinois.”

Governor Blagojevich recently issued an executive order requiring flexible fuel state vehicles to use E-85 whenever possible.

Stations designated today include sites located in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mt. Prospect, Elgin, Evanston, Elmhurst, Des Plaines, Dwight, Rockford and Bloomington. A complete list of the station and their addresses is attached. Additionally, eight of the sites are taking part in the E-85 promotion, noted in the attached list.

The Illinois EPA’s Green Fuels Program, similar to the Green Fleets program, recognizes Illinois fuel stations that enable fleets to become a “Green Fleet.” The Illinois Green Fuels program recognizes retail or commercial fuel stations that sell E-85, natural gas, propane, and biodiesel to the general public or to other fleets. There are several fuel stations in Illinois that sell these green fuels to various fleets and to the general public.

Illinois Green Fuels Members