Environment DEC
From the August 2006 issue
Ground Broken for the First Ethanol Refueling Pump on the Thruway
Governor George E. Pataki recently announced that the New York State Thruway Authority has broken ground on the first ethanol (E85) refueling station on the Thruway. E85 is an alternative transportation fuel made from a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Only about 500 of the more than 180,000 fuel stations in the United States currently offer E85. The station will be located at the New Baltimore Travel Plaza, in Greene County. The governor first proposed a plan to put renewable fuel pumps at all 27 Thruway travel plazas in his "State of the State" address. It was subsequently approved by the Thruway Authority.
Reduces Our Dependence on Imported Energy
Ethanol, produced from the starch of corn, is a renewable resource
that utilizes photosynthesis - photo courtesy of National e85 Coalition
"New York has taken significant strides in increasing its use of clean, renewable fuels. These efforts are evident as the Thruway Authority introduces the first of many E85 fuel pumps available on the Thruway system," Governor Pataki said. "By implementing the energy initiatives I proposed earlier this year, we are encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles on our roadways, as well as reducing our dependence on imported energy, and opening up more opportunity for economic growth within the state. This pump will give motorists the option to use clean, homegrown fuels in their vehicles."
Flex-Fuel Vehicle Required
E85 can only be used by motorists with flex-fuel vehicles. However, approximately 200,000 flex-fuel vehicles are already registered in New York State, and automakers have begun to significantly increase production of these vehicles. By the summer of 2007 the Authority plans to install E85 fuel pumps at additional travel plazas in accordance with a plan currently under development in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The first round of Thruway travel plazas to offer E85 fuel will be strategically selected so that this option will be conveniently available to customers that travel the Thruway corridor.
In cooperation with NYSERDA and the Office of General Services (OGS), the Thruway Authority opened a new E85 fueling station at their Headquarters in Albany. The site opened in March of this year and is available to all state agencies. This fueling station is open 24 hours a day seven days a week and is accessible to state vehicles that are coded for ethanol use. This site, along with others proposed in the state, will allow all state entities to be compliant with Executive Order 142 that requires the use of biofuels.
Part of a Comprehensive Energy Independence Plan
Earlier this year, Governor Pataki proposed a comprehensive energy independence plan to reduce New York's reliance on imported energy. In addition to establishing a "gas tax cap" at $2 per gallon or 8 cents in sales tax, the Governor and Legislature reached agreement to enact a number of important initiatives that will help to accomplish this goal.
In April 2006, under the Governor's direction the Thruway Authority began offering a special Green E-Z Pass Tag, which provides an additional 10 percent discount on Thruway tolls to eligible hybrid vehicles. Under the initiative, hybrid vehicles meeting strict emissions standards, and having a highway fuel economy average of at least 45 miles per gallon will qualify for the additional 10 percent E-Z Pass discount on Thruway tolls.
More Biofuel Infrastructure Coming
The Authority's New York and Buffalo Divisions also have E85 fueling stations in operation. These sites are limited only to those vehicles issued a fuel key by the Authority. Plans are in place to open a similar site in Syracuse. Additional plans to include an expanded biofuel infrastructure are currently underway.
