January 13, 2011 City Council Meeting
INVITATION EXTENDED TO DEPARTMENT OF FLEET MANAGEMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TO DISCUSS E85 AND FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES.
WHEREAS, United States oil imports rise each year, and are expected to soon reach an astounding 70 percent. At the same time, this country struggles for economic independence and freedom from the 88 percent of the world's oil sources which is located in the war-torn Middle East; and
WHEREAS, Over 9 million consumers nationwide drive flexible fuel vehicles. These types of vehicles are capable of operating on gasoline, E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), or a mixture of both - which is what makes them "flexible." Ethanol is considered a renewable fuel and produces cleaner emissions than ordinary gasoline; and
WHEREAS, E85 is a leading gasoline alternative in the United States, as well as in other countries, such as Brazil, where it is found at nearly every gas station. E85 can now be purchased at over 2,000 locations throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, The ethanol used in E85 is produced in the United States, from domestically grown crops. Its use helps the farm economy and can potentially reduce our dependence on foreign oil. As our nation's desire for economic, environmental and energy security grows, so will the demand for green solutions such as ethanol; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That representatives of the Department of Fleet Management and the Department of Environment are invited to provide testimony before the Joint Committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development and the Committee on Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities in regards to this topic.
rARGARET LAURINO Alderman, 39th Ward
VIRGINIA R$GAI Alderman, 19th Ward