Expanding the use of ethanol in E10 and E85 blends has been a top priority of the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board as part of its mission which is to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production and to improve public understanding of agriculture using check off investments to support promotion, education, and research resulting in greater utilization of grain.  Farmers provide the funding for MGPUB through a ½% check off on the sale of grain.  Projects funded are highlighted in the Check off Program section of this website. 

The Flexible Fuel Vehicle Club of America is going to try and locate the existing 7 million FFV owners, educate them and new car buyers on the value of owning an FFV, motivate those FFV owners to fill up with E85, and then encourage them to become members of the Flexible Fuel Vehicle Club of America to help accelerate the development of renewable fuel and vehicle choice.

Link: http://www.flexiblefuelvehicleclub.org/

For GM, energy alternatives that help reduce our dependency on petroleum and advanced technologies that improve fuel economy and reduce emissions are the keys to developing sustainable transportation. GM’s Advanced Propulsion Technology Strategy embraces a number of advanced propulsion systems and alternative energy resources, including gasoline and diesel, bio-fuels, electricity and hydrogen fuel cells. GM is improving traditional internal combustion engines and transmissions with advanced technologies that save fuel, such as variable valve timing, Active Fuel Management, direct injection and six-speed transmissions. GM has pledged a broad commitment to producing electrically-driven vehicles that help diversify energy sources, reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Vehicles include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, extended range electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It will take a blending of many different sources of energy to reduce both our reliance on oil and the automobile’s impact on the environment while successfully meeting the growing demand.

GM believes promoting the use of biofuels, specifically E85 ethanol, is the most significant near-term solution to offset rising vehicle energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. E85 is comprised of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

Link: www.gmaltfuels.com

Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Properties, LLC (MAPP) is the leading VeraSun E85 distributor in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. As a petroleum distributor based in the nation’s capital, MAPP, saw it necessary to be as environmentally as possible, by doing their part in reducing the greenhouse emissions from the effects of gasoline, and keeping their communities clean and green, not just by promoting and distributing E85, but by using environmentally safe coffee cups and other convenience store products, and being more than compliant with guidelines set by the EPA. MAPP, LLC currently has 6 operating gasoline stations all over Maryland and Washington, DC that distributes E85. MAPP is working together with VeraSun Energy and several other organizations to make it possible for them to sell E85 at an additional seventeen (17) gasoline stations in the metropolitan area.  

Link: www.MAPPLLC.com

VeraSun Energy is a leading producer and marketer of ethanol and distillers grains. As an industry leader, we believe renewable fuels present an opportunity for our country to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, invest in our domestic economy and preserve our environment. Through the power of partnership™ with our employees, customers, farmers, and shareholders this is becoming a reality, one gallon at a time. VE85®, VeraSun’s branded E85, was launched in May 2005 at seven stations in Sioux Falls, S.D. Today, VE85® is available at more than 150 stations in 14 states and Washington, D.C. The VE85® brand equips VeraSun to cultivate E85 marketing, give credibility to a growing product and effectively develop a down-stream marketing channel to reach today’s more than seven million flexible fuel vehicle drivers. 

Link: www.ve85.com

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) believes the development and use of biofuels is important as we move Maryland’s economy forward.  As such MEA created The Biofuels Grant Program, which provided 50% match up to $12,500 for the installation of public E85 refueling infrastructure.  MEA believes that increasing the public’s access to and awareness of E85 and other renewable fuels will increase our security, create jobs and have a positive impact on our environment.    

Link: http://www.energy.state.md.us/incentives/transportation/index.asp

Fitzgerald Auto Malls, an ISO 14001 registered company recognizes our impact and responsibility to the environment, our customers and our associates.  This sets Fitzgerald apart from other automotive dealerships, in that we have considered the ways that we impact our environment, from our major recycling efforts, to our consumption of energy.  Fitzgerald is on a course unmatched by even many manufacturers that demonstrate to our customers and to each other that we take our impact seriously, and we're constantly looking for ways to preserve the environment in which we operate as a business.

We have established our Environmental Management System (EMS) that goes beyond simply meeting environmental laws and regulations, but extends to our everyday practices and business decisions. We are committed to:

As part of our quality management system, we recognize that an effective EMS system is a never-ending journey of continuous effort and improvement.  We believe that we can continue to achieve our quality objective of sustained growth of our business while maintaining the health of the environment by focusing on our customers and innovation.

Link: www.FitzMall.com

The Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) is a non-profit organization that actively supports the increased production and use of fuels that can improve air quality, reduce oil imports, and provide economic benefits to the U.S. Through four administrations and eight different Congressional delegations, CFDC has been building bi-partisan support in industry and government to foster a healthy national energy policy. CFDC works with all interested parties to support clean fuel regulations and new technologies that will help our country meet the ever changing and complex demands of our society. Our goal is to drive the demand for clean low-carbon fuels, like ethanol, through a combination of efforts that include collaborating with industry, educating and communicating with the media and other strategic influencers, and supporting new legislative initiatives that will help us achieve our mission.

 Link: http://www.cleanfuelsdc.org/

The Maryland Department of Agriculture supports the development of bio-fuels including ethanol as a way to sustain Maryland farming and to diversify farm income. 

Link: http://www.mda.state.md.us