What He Said
"We are working on a number of alternative fuels, but
I would like to focus today on ethanol. Blenders and refiners can use ethanol
to increase octane levels, improve engine performance, and reduce pollution.
From my Denver experience, I know that a 10 percent ethanol blend drastically
lowered carbon monoxide emissions.
"We are now at the point where ethanol is ready to emerge as a major
force in the market. Chrysler and Ford have announced that they will produce
flexible fuel vehicles that are capable of using up to an 85 percent blend
of ethanol without increasing the cost of the vehicle. This is another
example of creative technology that reduces pollution while increasing
consumer choices.
"Ethanol is the most near-term alternative fuel being supported by
our research. And we are currently studying policy incentives, as part
of our greenhouse gas strategy, that will help develop a cellulose-based
industry. We are also partnering with entrepreneurial companies to increase
ethanol supplies and decrease ethanol production costs."
Secretary Frederico Pena
U.S. Department of Energy
World Conference on
Refining Technology
and Clean Fuels
October 24, 1997
