The American Lung Association of Iowa, as part of the Clean Air Choice program, has reported that sales of E85 are up sharply in the current quarter, and are on track to break previous records for the sale of the ethanol-based fuel.
More than 450,000 gallons of E85 were sold in Iowa in the month of April 2008 alone. This compares with 800,000 gallons sold in the second quarter of 2007.
A spokesperson for the American Lung Association of Iowa (ALA-IA) said the amount of E85 being purchased by owners of flex-fuel vehicles in Iowa is unprecedented.
Jessica Zopf, program manager for the American Lung Association of Iowa, which leads the Clean Air Choice program, said: There is little doubt that the nationwide rise in gasoline prices is a major factor. Prices of E85 vary widely, but in April 2008, average statewide prices for E85 were $0.81 less than for regular unleaded. While we welcome bargain hunters who are trying E85 for the first time for its lower price, we hope they will continue to buy the fuel because it emits considerably less pollution than gasoline.