Web exclusive posted August 13, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. CST

Motorists in Maryland will soon have more opportunities to use E85.

Recently Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley was joined by Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and administration officials to present a roadmap for a more sustainable transportation fuel system in Maryland, beginning with the construction of four new E-85 fuel pumps throughout Maryland.

O'Malley's plan includes consumer education, new technologies, and the development of an renewable fuel infrastructure.
E-85 facilities are tentatively planned for Easton, Hagerstown, La Plata, and Salisbury, Md. Flex-fuel will also be used by the state transportation fleet and E85 pumps will be installed at the Maryland State Police barracks and State Highway Administration facilities.

Massachusetts also recently announced that the Mass Transit Authority would transition 500 buses to hybrid. "As the state purchases new vehicles for its fleet, more and more of our cars, trucks and vans will run on alternative fuels," said O'Malley. "With these new E85 facilities, we'll continue to make Maryland's transportation fleet less dependant on fossil fuels, strengthening the energy future of our state for generations to come."

"Our commitment to strengthening our sustainable future for our children is evident in the investments we make," said Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown. "Maryland will stand up for the environment and future generations by investing in sound, renewable energy policies like the construction of facilities like these."

Reducing the state's dependence on foreign sources of oil has never been a more pressing issue, said Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Alvin C. Collins. "Greater use of E-85 and other renewable fuels can help us do that. With 1,200 flex-fuel vehicles already in the state's fleet, we are striving to reduce reliance on fossil fuel and its harmful impacts on the environment."

Alternative vehicles such as E85 cars and plug-in electric hybrids can become common on Maryland's roads during the next ten years with the proper state leadership, said Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. "By reducing our reliance on foreign oil, Maryland can advance our economic security, our national security, and our environmental security at the same time."

O'Malley outlined three distinct transportation strategies through which Maryland will become more energy independent:

• Expansion of Biofuels - in addition to the new E85 pumps and mandates, the governor also announced a mandate for the Department of General Services to use a 5 % blend of biodiesel in the state vehicle fleet wherever possible. It's estimated that a 5 % biodiesel blend, statewide, would replace 180 million gallons of diesel fuel, displace 1.4 metric tons of greenhouse gases, and save drivers $20 at the pump.


• Transition to electric vehicles - O'Malley said he is requesting that the Maryland Energy Administration and other agencies identify specific steps that will ensure an accelerated transition to alternative fueling methods throughout the state. Electric vehicles not only have zero tailpipe emissions, but they cost the equivalent of 75 cents per gallon. In 2007, O'Malley signed the Clean Cars legislation into law, reducing auto emissions in Maryland and establishing strict pollution standards for all automobiles beginning in model year 2011.


• Public Awareness Campaign - In addition to the "Save the Bay, Ride MTA" campaign, and the Commuter Choice Maryland program, O'Malley has announced that a Maryland Energy Administration awareness campaign has been launched to provide families with money saving vehicle tips.

With just a few short-term changes, studies suggest that Maryland could replace 300 million gallons of fuel, remove 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, and save consumers $1.4 billion.