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Cooperative Producers adds E15 at two Nebraska locations

Axtell and Red Cloud became the company's fifth and sixth fuel sites selling the blend in the state.

February 5, 2020

3 Min Read
ethanol gas pump
WIDER AVAILABILITY: Cooperative Producers Inc. now offers E15 ethanol blends at six of its locations in Nebraska.Nebraska Ethanol Board

Cooperative Producers Inc. recently announced the addition of E15 at its fuel sites in Axtell and Red Cloud, Neb. These additions are CPI's fifth and sixth locations selling E15 in the state, including locations in Clay Center, Funk, Giltner and Juniata.

"As a farmer-owned cooperative, we need to support the folks who do business with us," said Gary Brandt, vice president of energy with CPI. "CPI uses 500,000 bushels of corn in the ethanol we sell every year, so adding more ethanol to the pumps in Axtell and Red Cloud really brings a sense of ownership to our growers who work hard throughout the year to feed and fuel our country."

The EPA has approved E15 for use in vehicles 2001 and newer, and it is available at more than 70 stations across Nebraska. Find locations at getbiofuel.com.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board encourages consumers to consider filling up with E15 — a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline — to save money at the pump, support Nebraska agriculture and help reduce pollution. The following facts from NEB help demonstrate the benefits of using E15:

  • Nine out of every 10 cars in America can operate safely with E15, which has a lower price and higher octane rating than unleaded and E10.

  • More than 12 billion miles have been driven on E15 with no problems.

  • Installing E15 can be easier than you think, and NEB is ready and willing to work with you to find resources for your situation.

  • Sustainability and health are topics on many consumers' minds, especially given the uptick in cancer cases and the relevant conversations about climate change. Ethanol dilutes cancer-causing toxins in gasoline, and since it burns more completely, it also reduces tailpipe emissions. By just using E10, greenhouse gases from automobile pollution are reduced by 42%.

  • Today, there are nearly 1,800 retail locations in 31 states selling E15, and that number is growing.

"We appreciate Cooperative Producers' move to add higher blends like E15 because it uses more corn raised right here in Nebraska, which is a benefit for our agriculture economy," said Roger Berry, NEB administrator. "Using more ethanol also means fewer toxic chemicals in our fuel. Using higher blends of ethanol is a good decision for all Nebraskans. It helps the state's economy, consumers' wallets, vehicle engines and the environment. Ethanol's impact across the country and the globe continues to grow, but it starts right here at home."

NEB is urging more Nebraska fuel retailers to make E15 more widely available to motorists. To help fuel retailers learn more about the ease of selling E15, NEB is hosting free workshops across the state. For details, visit ethanol.nebraska.gov.

Some retailers have been reluctant to retrofit their pumps for E15 because of misconceptions about cost and installation.

"These locations don't have a flex fuel pump, but we're still able to offer E15 by blending it at the pipeline terminal," Brandt said. "As E15 fuel gains momentum, we believe it will become available at most fuel stations in Nebraska."

For fuel retailers looking to include higher ethanol blends at their pumps, NEB, the Nebraska Corn Board, Renewable Fuels Nebraska and USDA are available to answer questions and provide information about grants that can relieve some of the cost burdens.

"We often refer to our industry as the 'golden triangle,'" said Ted Schrock, District 6 director of the Nebraska Corn Board and a farmer from Elm Creek. "We have productive corn, ethanol and livestock sectors, which all work together to boost our state's economy while providing us with food, fuel and fiber.

"CPI Cooperative has taken a great step in strengthening this triangle by using a renewable, locally produced product that benefits everyone who likes to breathe clean air while saving at the pump. Our ethanol industry alone has added 1,300 jobs to Nebraska's economy."

Source: Nebraska Ethanol Board, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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