ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association of
Minnesota (ALAMN) welcomes the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) into
the Clean Air Fuels Education (CAFE) Alliance. The CAFE Alliance is building
a public education and awareness campaign to alert consumers about cleaner
fuels and vehicles that are available. To be recognized under the CAFE
Alliance, a new product must demonstrate air quality benefits that exceed
clean air requirements. Ultimately, wider use of these products will reduce
the impact of fuel and vehicle emissions on the environment and human health.
MCGA's focus within CAFE will be the alternative fuel E85, a blend of 85%
ethanol and just 15% petroleum that is used in new low emission-certified
flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs). In Minnesota, ethanol is produced from the
fermentation of corn, cheese whey and brewery wastes. The U.S. Department of
Energy has selected the Twin Cities, Chicago and Denver as pilot markets for
E85 and FFVs. Ford Motor Company, the Minnesota Coalition for Ethanol and the
state Agriculture and Commerce departments have joined in the Twin Cities
effort.
Ten percent Ethanol is now blended into nearly all Minnesota gasoline to
enhance fuel combustion, to add octane and to dilute less desirable gasoline
compounds, such as benzene and other aromatics. Minnesota leads the nation in
its per capita use of this renewable fuel additive. Now, Minnesota is taking
the lead again with E85.
Approximately 50,000 FFVs will be registered in Minnesota and nearly 40
fueling sites will be operating by mid-summer. However, public awareness of
E85 and FFVs is very low -- MCGA will work through CAFE to help educate
consumers on E85.
The American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN) began its fight against
mobile source air pollution in the 1960s. ALAMN has formed the CAFE Alliance
of associations and manufacturers to raise consumer awareness of how the
choices we make can impact air quality and human health. Better choices do
exist. In September 1999, ALAMN recognized Blue Planet Gasoline (oxygenated,
low-sulfur) as the first CAFE Alliance Clean Air Fuel Choice.
The MCGA is a non-profit membership association, focused on providing
representation for Minnesota farmers on collective legislative issues. The
MCGA works together with the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council to
promote opportunities for the profitability of corn farmers while enhancing
quality of life.
The CAFE Alliance is an interface between manufacturers, the ALAMN and
consumers. We believe consumers hold the power to make a difference by making
the Clean Air Choice. We will use public perception of the ALAMN as a primary
source of credible environmental information to develop a market driven
initiative aimed at reducing tailpipe emissions.
The American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN), serving Minnesotans
since 1903, is one of the oldest non-profit voluntary health organizations in
the nation.
ALAMN provides advocacy, research, education and programs to promote
healthy air, healthy people and healthy lungs. Key areas of focus include:
outdoor and indoor air quality, asthma management, smoking prevention and
cessation, flu and pneumonia immunization, and lung disease management. For
more information, please call 651-227-8014 or 800-642-LUNG or visit the ALAMN
websites at http://www.alamn.org or http://www.healthhouse.org
SOURCE American Lung Association of Minnesota
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Related links:
http://www.healthhouse.org
CONTACT:
Tracy Anderson, Media Relations of the
American Lung Association of Minnesota, 651-268-7582, cell
651-470-7643
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