Six gas stations in North Dakota now offer consumers E15, making it ninth in line among the states that offer the higher ethanol blend.

“We are committed to offering our customers choice at the pump,” says Kent Satrang, CEO of Petro Serve USA, which now offers E15 in in Bismarck, Mandan, West Fargo and Fargo. “Ethanol blends are the perfect partnership between North Dakota’s corn fields and oil fields. E15 provides a very cost-effective option for our consumers.”

Jeff Zueger, general manager of Blue Flint Ethanol LLC, a 60 MMgy ethanol plant in Underwood, N.D., pointed out that E15 has been tested more than any other fuel introduced to the public and that it is a safe option for 2001 and newer vehicles. “Ethanol burns cleaner and cooler in engines, which helps the performance level of the vehicle. It also can extend the life of the engine,” he said. Zueger is also chairman of the North Dakota Ethanol Council, funded by the first ethanol check-off program in the nation, for which each ethanol plant pays a three one-hundredths of one cent assessment per gallon of ethanol produced and sold in North Dakota.

Tom Lilja, executive director of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, also chimed in about the development. He pointed to the successful use of E15 by NASCAR, which has driven more than 4 million miles on the fuel. “This speaks volumes to the performance level of the proven fuel,” he said. “North Dakota is lucky to be one of the few states offering E15. Ethanol blends are good for the economy, environment and energy independence.”

The Renewable Fuels Association lauded the introduction of E15 in North Dakota as well. “North Dakota drivers now have additional, cost-saving options at the pump,” said Robert White, RFA’s director of market development. “A recent Fuels America poll showed that 82 percent of Americans want E15 to be available at the gas station. It is tremendous to see stations in state after state begin to offer E15 and I hope this trend will continue in North Dakota as other stations see the success of the six Petro Serve USA stations. The spread of E15 is only beginning and I am proud that North Dakota is helping lead the way in E15 implementation.”