First 'Blender Pumps' Now Open In Minnesota

The Associated Press - Wednesday, October 10, 2007
ORTONVILLE, Minn.--Minnesota's first so-called ethanol blender pumps, which dispense gasoline with different amounts of ethanol, have opened in this western Minnesota town.

The pumps allow motorists to choose an ethanol blend ranging from E85, which is 85 percent ethanol, down to the legally mandated E10, which contains 10 percent ethanol. All gasoline sold in Minnesota must contain at least 10 percent ethanol.

Mel Domine, the general manager of Border States Cooperative, said the co-op installed blender pumps last year to handle E85 but couldn't fully utilize them until the state's rules changed. The pumps were already in use in South Dakota.

The cooperative will hold grand opening ceremonies Thursday.

Consumers can use the pumps to choose E85, E50, E30, E20 or the standard E10 blends. However, gas containing more than 10 percent ethanol should only be used in flex-fuel vehicles.

The Associated Press, Oct. 11, 2007