August 20, 2007
Bronson To Tour New Ethanol Facility
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is taking steps to further his goal of increasing the production of renewable fuels in Florida. Bronson will meet with representatives from the Ethanol Corporation (an Alabama-based ethanol broker), Murphy Oil Corporation and Kinder-Morgan at the Port of Tampa to see first hand how the companies are making their partnership a success.
Kinder-Morgan is blending ethanol obtained through the Ethanol Corporation with gasoline at its Tampa terminal and selling the blend to Murphy Oil for retail sale at 47 Central Florida locations. Currently the product consists of a blend of 10 percent ethanol with 90 percent gasoline (E10) and meets the state’s fuel quality standards. Bronson want
s to see the operation and hopes more of these types of partnerships will develop throughout Florida.“I have said all along that Florida can be a national leader in the production of renewable fuels, including ethanol,” Bronson said. “But we have to do more than just talk about it. These companies have stepped up to the plate and are getting the product out to consumers. It’s proof that by working together, clean, renewable energy is at our fingertips.”
In addition to taking a tour of the blending facility at the port, Bronson will also visit a nearby Wal-Mart where Murphy Oil is selling E10 to consumers. The ethanol facility at the Port of Tampa made its debut earlier this year.
Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel that is produced domestically from renewable sources. Ethanol blends can decrease fuel costs and harmful tailpipe emissions and increase fuel octane ratings. E10, which is the most common blend of ethanol and gasoline, is approved for use in any make or model of vehicle sold in the United States, with no modifications necessary to the engine.
“Florida ranks third in the nation in gas consumption and we need to be a leader in finding alternative fuel sources,” Bronson said. “It is more environmentally friendly and helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
Florida has an annual consumption of more than 8.6 billion gallons of gasoline per year. Bronson’s Farm to Fuel Initiative was developed to enhance the market for and promote the production and distribution of renewable energy from Florida-grown crops, agricultural wastes and residues, and other biomass. He wants to see ethanol produced in Florida using its vast agricultural and forestry resources.
The media is invited to take the tour with Commissioner Bronson. Anyone interested can contact Liz Compton at (850) 488-3022. Visitors’ names must be provided to port authorities in advance for security reasons.
For more information:
Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
comptol@doacs.state.fl.us
Terence McElroy
mcelrot@doacs.state.fl.us
