State Expands Network to Provide Motorists with More Choices at the Pump

December 11, 2008

Capital Region to add 10th ethanol fueling station for public use

Albany, New York  - - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and KNC Holdings, Inc. today announced the opening of the newest E85 ethanol fueling station for the public. Airport Mobil, owned and operated by KNC Holdings, Inc., is located on Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham, NY and is the 10th E85 fueling station in the Capital Region.  Public officials and station owner Christian King were joined by representatives from General Motors along with various vehicles capable of running on E85.  Officials also highlighted the progress that has been made to increase the distribution network for the sale of renewable fuels statewide.

 “Increasing the use and availability of alternative fuels, such as E85, is of great importance to help move us away from imported petroleum and bring us closer to energy independence,” said Robert G. Callender, NYSERDA vice president for programs. “While the price of oil and gasoline are at a four year low, that should not preclude efforts to establish an alternative fuels infrastructure that will provide consumers with an option when refueling their vehicle—that option being a renewable fuel that keeps energy dollars right here in New York.”

“New York consumers can do their part in helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by purchasing E85,”said Christian P. King, president of KNC Holdings, Inc.  “In addition, E85 is 100% American made, burns cleaner than traditional gasoline, and the price should continue to be attractive to consumers in the short run thanks to state and federal subsidies.”

Today’s event also highlighted NYSERDA’s New York State Biofuel Station Initiative, which is successfully creating a network of retail gas stations across New York State to ensure drivers have the opportunity to purchase renewable fuels at their local fueling stations.  The program provides 50 percent reimbursement, up to $50,000, in incentives per fueling station for E85 or biodiesel dispensing equipment. 

Since the Biofuel Station Initiative was launched in May 2007, over 85 retail gas stations have participated in this statewide program; with close to a third dispensing ethanol, biodiesel or both fuel types. 10 of those stations are located in New York’s Capital Region.  The remaining stations are located in the following counties:  20 in Suffolk, 11 in Albany, 11 in Monroe, seven in Westchester, six in Nassau, five in Saratoga, four in Schenectady, three in Dutchess, Orange, Richmond, and Rockland, two in Jefferson, Niagara and Warren, and one in Chautauqua, Erie, Onondaga, Oswego, and Wayne. 

In addition, the Biofuel Distributor Program has exceeded its goal of eight terminals and distributors by providing incentives to 15 petroleum terminal operators and distributors to properly store and distribute biofuels.  The program provides 50 percent reimbursement, up to $150,000, for storage, blending, handling, and rack dispensing equipment for both E85 ethanol and blended biodiesel.   

Congressman-elect Paul D. Tonko said, “This is an important milestone, because it shows that progress is being made to provide the market with alternatives to gasoline. Building the infrastructure is also key, because it helps consumers become more comfortable with the idea of alternative fuels, which will help in the long run as we try to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. I'm proud to see that NYSERDA continues to push a proactive agenda that is keeping New York State at the forefront of alternative energy solutions." 

Governor David A. Paterson’s Renewable Fuels Task Force Report, issued in February 2008, recognized the challenges in meeting our growing demand for energy, and that New York can be a leader in addressing these challenges through the use of renewable fuels.  While no single renewable fuel is the “silver bullet” in meeting our energy needs, efforts are underway to renew an intellectual capacity to explore new, renewable feedstocks that will support in-state and domestic transportation fuel demand. 

In July of 2006, legislation was signed that prohibits the use of “exclusivity” contracts between fuel distributors and gas stations that have limited availability of renewable fuels for consumer use in their vehicles. This law allows gas stations to sell renewable fuels even if that fuel type is not offered through the oil company the gas stations are contracted with.

"We are on the cusp of a commitment of alternative fuel in our state and country,"  Assemblyman Robert Reilly said. "Perhaps fueled by the financial crisis we confront makes imperative such a commitment. We must restructure many organizations and systems and our energy use is one of the most necessary changes."

“We are so pleased to be part of retaining energy in New York State and doing our part to reduce dependence on foreign oil.  This new E85ethanol station right here in the Town of Colonie is a big step in the advancement of biofuel availability” said Paula Mahan, Supervisor, Town of Colonie. 

“NYSERDA and I are very pleased to see another E85 pump installed and being used,” noted Callender. “I look forward to someday seeing more alternative fuel pumps than conventional gasoline pumps, and I think we’re on our way.”

For a detailed listing of ethanol fueling stations nearest you, visit www.E85refueling.com.

Contact

Sal Graven, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090, Ext. 3331
sg2@nyserda.ny.gov

Christian King, KNC Holdings, Inc.
(518)783-2100, Ext. 25