We need E85 in Santa Rosa, California.

Why? The closest E85 pump is in Napa, which is more than 30 minutes away, and there are over 15 million cars in the US that can utilize E85. 

What is E85? Gasoline contains about 10% ethanol. E85 is 85% ethanol. Cars that run on Flex Fuel can use E85.

What else can you tell me about E85? It is made from corn. It is much cheaper than gasoline. It is less energy dense than gasoline, so fuel mileage goes down, which balances the decreased cost. 

What is cool about E85? It is cool, literally! It burns much cooler than gasoline, so it keeps combustion temperatures lower, which can be good for performance and engine longevity.

Wow, what else is cool about E85? It is essentially race fuel! The octane rating of gas is a rating of its ability to avoid engine knock or preignition. 91 octane is the highest we have. E85 is equivalent to 105+ octane, which means your higher compression motor or turbocharged engine would benefit from E85. Between the higher octane and lower temperatures, E85 equipped vehicles can safely make much more power, while avoiding knock.

Racing fuel? I thought E85 was some "green" hippie fuel...? Well, it is. It is a renewable fuel source because it comes from corn. It is also cleaner to burn, so emissions will be better. Moreover, it can keep engines cleaner, so they develop less carbon deposits. There is obviously cost and emissions in producing it, so how much better it is than oil is debatable, but regardless, it would be beneficial for reducing emissions in high density, urban environments.

This doesn't effect me. I don't have a Flex Fuel vehicle. Why should I care? Well, maybe you could have a Flex Fuel vehicle. While it isn't CARB legal, if you have a performance car and want to add a Flex Fuel setup to achieve more horsepower and performance for off-road use, there are many companies that produce Flex Fuel conversion kits. If that isn't for you then you may want to support this change to help support renewable fuel and decrease local emissions.

I own a gas station or fuel company. How is this going to effect my bottom line? Supporting renewable energy resources has its benefits. There are usually tax incentives and discounts to businesses that use or supply renewable resources. There is positive PR for the business and company when they support environment friendly programs. Most importantly, there is business to gain. Currently there would be a monopoly for the station that opened the first pump in Santa Rosa.