One of the most important opportunities for our area involves renewable energy sources.  As our family talked about the ways in which we can become involved, we decided that we should show our commitment by owning an E85 vehicle.  As my daughter Maggie said: “Dad, if you are going to talk the talk of renewable energy, you need to drive the drive.”  The Mankato Free Press supported expanded use of E85, following up on Governor Pawlenty’s call for more E85 vehicles (August 5, 2006—www.mankatofreepress.com)

We are strong believers in E85 flexible-fuel vehicles: E85 is locally produced, it burns cleaner, and it strengthens our national security by lowering our dependence upon foreign oil.  The Heartland Corn Products expansion in Winthrop is a great example of the benefits of E85 for all of us.  I have joined the American Coalition for Ethanol–the ”grassroots voice of the ethanol industry”– to keep on top of developments, especially as technological improvements make ethanol an even better opportunity for all.

You can learn more about E85 at www.e85fuel.com, the American Coalition for Ethanol website: www.ethanol.org , and the American Lung Association of Minnesota website: www.CleanAirChoice.org.