New E-85 Fueling Station Opens at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
December 3, 2003
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U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-3rd District, pumps the first gallon of E-85 fuel from a new fueling station at the Oak Ridge Federal Building. Also pictured are Gerald Boyd, manager of DOE's Oak Ridge Operations office, and Mark Deathridge, president of East Tennessee Mechanical Contractors. |
A new fueling station at the Federal Building is the third of its kind on the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Oak Ridge Reservation to provide ethanol-85 (E-85) fuel.
E-85, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is made from plant-based materials such as corn, grasses, and wood chips. E-85 fuel burns cleaner than gasoline and results in reduced automotive emissions.
U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-3rd District, said he appreciates that DOE is taking a leading role in using alternative fuels.
"Using fuels, such as E-85, helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil resources and uses renewable energy sources," said Wamp, who serves as chairman of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. "The Oak Ridge Operations office with Gerald Boyd's leadership is making a big step towards the future of transportation."
The congressman pumped the first gallon of E-85 fuel during a dedication ceremony for the station on November 24. A fueling station at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was completed in April 2001, while the one at the Y-12 National Security Complex was finished earlier this year.
DOE spokesman Steven Wyatt said all three stations house E-85 fuel for the fleet used by federal and contractor personnel. At present, a total of 17,000 gallons of E-85 fuel is stored in the three stations, he added.
Story and photo courtesy of The Oak Ridger.