Nebraska to conduct E30 pilot program in state vehicles

In Nebraska, Governor Pete Ricketts and state agencies will start a new pilot program in the coming weeks now that the Environmental Protection Agency approved the project requested by the State of Nebraska to study the use of higher ethanol blends. In the pilot program, the state will study the use of E-30 in state-owned conventional vehicles.

The pilot program will assess the effects of E-15 and E-30 blends on “vehicle performance, fuel economy, and emissions control systems” in state-owned vehicles.  The fuel used in the pilot program will be supplied by Nebraska ethanol companies.

“This demonstration program is designed to evaluate the use of an E-30 ethanol blend in conventional vehicles compared to the same type vehicles operating on E-10 and E-15 blends,” said Sarah Caswell, Administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.  “Fuel cost per mile, performance, maintenance and other factors will be included as a part of the project.  Several engineering consultants from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will help provide technical expertise during the duration of the project.  Approximately 50 vehicles will be involved in the demonstration program.  In addition to state fueling sites, six Nebraska fuel marketers have agreed to provide access to E-30 at fueling sites in the state.”