WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the Chicago City Finance Committee’s passage of the Chicago Clean with E15 ordinance that ensures that gasoline retailers in the city of Chicago offer E15—a less expensive, cleaner, renewable fuel—to consumers, Tom Buis CEO of Growth Energy issued the following statement:
“Once again, Chicago displayed its leadership qualities and took an important step in helping clean up the air in Chicago by breaking up the near monopoly that oil companies have on the liquid fuels market. By advancing this ordinance, the Finance Committee has demonstrated that they are serious when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and toxic carcinogens in the air.
“Furthermore, they have displayed their resolve to ensure that Chicago motorists and other consumers have market access to a sustainable, cleaner burning, less expensive homegrown fuel that supports 73,156 Illinois jobs and generates $4.7 billion for the state’s economy. By moving to E15, Chicago can help create an additional 12,000 Illinois jobs that can’t be outsourced.
“E15 is the most tested fuel in the history of this country. The Department of Energy tested 86 vehicles over six million miles, and NASCAR has driven well over six million miles in some of the harshest and most demanding situations without ever experiencing any issues, other than increased horsepower and performance. It is time that Chicago consumers have the same choice when they go to fill up their vehicles.
“Today’s vote is a win for consumers and a win for the environment. It exemplifies the leadership and the forward thinking that Chicago is so famous for.”
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now. For more information, please visit us at www.GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on Twitter @GrowthEnergy or connect with us on Facebook.