PEI Joins Coalition for E85 [1]

The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) has announced it has joined the Coalition for E85, a group of retailers, producers, equipment manufacturers and other supporters of E85 fuel campaigning to protect the investments of 2,500 small businesses and stop a multimillion-dollar tax hike on consumers.

“Fuel marketers, equipment manufacturers and the motoring public have invested a significant amount of money in building the E85 infrastructure and flex-fueled vehicles,” said Robert Renkes, executive vice president of PEI. “We must not abandon E85 this close to self-sustainability.”

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, E85 Flexible Fuel Vehicles represent approximately 98 percent of all the alternative fuel vehicles operating on the nation’s highways. “E85 represents a form of liquid transportation fuel that is growing in use and has an infrastructure investment cost similar to unleaded gasoline,” said Renkes. “Following the lead of the Congress and several recent presidents, many of our members have committed to the production of E85 fueling equipment, and we call on the Congress and Obama Administration to maintain the small incentives provided to advance the sale of E85.”

Currently, other alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas, propane and hydrogen, receive a $0.50 per gallon tax credit as part of the Alternative Fuel Credit. The Coalition believes E85 should be included in this group. For more information, including a list of member organizations, go to www.CoalitionForE85.org.

Founded in 1951, PEI is comprised of more than 1,600 companies engaged in manufacturing and distributing equipment used in the petroleum and energy handling industry. Members are located in 50 states and 81 countries. PEI is the leading authority and source of information for the petroleum and energy handling equipment industry, and is committed to promoting the value of distributor services, and improving the business relationships and practices of its members. PEI is headquartered in Tulsa, Okla. For additional information on PEI or its membership, please contact Chris Bouldin at cbouldin@pei.org or visit www.pei.org.