May 23, 2005

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

I recently signed an executive order that represents a new commitment to Nebraska’s ethanol and biodiesel industries. I traveled to Kearney, which is home to one of the few fueling stations where drivers have a choice of a range of alternative fuels, to announce this next step in investing in Nebraska’s value-added agriculture products.

The order directs all state agencies using fleet vehicles to require state employees to use E-85 ethanol and biodiesel fuel whenever available within a reasonable distance, while operating a state flexible-fuel or diesel-powered vehicle.

I was also pleased to attend the opening of an E-85 ethanol pump earlier in the week. The event marked the return of this value-added fuel to Lincoln. This was another important step for our state as larger cities offer an increased market for ethanol products. Increasing the availability of E-85 is key to making this value-added ag product a viable alternative for everyday driving in Nebraska.

Nebraska has been a leader in this arena since 1980 when we became the first state to mandate the use of E-10 unleaded fuel in fleet vehicles, and the additional steps taken as a result of this executive order represents a significant investment in alternative fuels.

There are more than 850 fuel-flexible vehicles in the state’s fleet of cars, trucks and minivans, and more than 2,300 vehicles or pieces of equipment that burn diesel fuel. The requirement that state agencies make use of advanced alternative fuels whenever possible will not only increase the total volume of alternative fuel sold in the state, but will help encourage an increase in the number of pumps available across the state.

The final component of the executive order requires state agencies to take steps to increase access to E-85 and biodiesel for drivers of state flexible-fuel and diesel-powered vehicles. In addition to the 15 commercial filling stations for E-85 and more than 200 pumps for biodiesel in Nebraska, the Department of Roads operates three E-85 tanks and maintains 99 diesel tanks for refueling.

Pursuing new markets for ethanol will provide widespread benefits not only for Nebraska’s rural communities, but for our entire state. By increasing the use of ethanol, we strengthen our state economy and help to protect the environment by promoting the use of the cleaner-burning fuels that also cost less than unleaded fuel competitors.

Nebraska fueling stations sold more than 500,000 gallons of E-85 in 2004, and sales are expected to triple this year. Any time our state makes a commitment of this size to our home-grown products, we know that retailers will respond with additional pumps to meet growing demand.

My hope is that in leading by example, the state will send a message to retailers, car manufacturers and drivers that buying alternative fuels is a priority that, in addition to the investment made in a cleaner-burning fuel, has great economic potential for Nebraska. I applaud the efforts of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, the Nebraska Soybean Board, retailers, and the many partners working to increase the availability of this home-grown fuel.

This executive order benefits all Nebraskans. There’s no doubt that alternative fuels have a positive impact on local economies and our environment, but they also help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make better use of state resources. We will all save money as state agencies pays less for fuel. This is one more way we are working to make state government more efficient for the people of Nebraska, while investing in the alternative fuels made right here in our state.