The Executive Order requires all state agencies to reduce the use of
petroleum-based gasoline in the state's vehicle fleet by 20 percent by
2010 and by 50 percent by 2015, and reduce the use of petroleum-based
diesel fuel by those vehicles 10 percent by 2010 and 25 percent by 2015.
To do this, vehicles will be filled with ethanol blend gasoline, E10, E85,
or biodiesel -- as much as possible.
"Wisconsin families struggling to pay their heating bills or fill up their
gas tanks this winter have learned a hard lesson about just how costly our
dependence on foreign oil can be," Governor Doyle said. "Increasing our
use of ethanol and biodiesel will reduce our dependence on foreign oil,
help our environment and agriculture industry, and will create more
high-paying and family-supporting jobs in Wisconsin."
The state purchases more than 1.6 million gallons of fuel every year, 8
percent of which is currently ethanol. While there are price fluctuations
in all blends of gasoline -- E85 is generally between $0.11 and $0.50
cheaper than regular unleaded blend.
To help implement the order, the Department of Administration will also
develop an awareness campaign designed to ensure all flex fuel vehicles in
the state's fleet are clearly identified and state employees are aware of
E85 refueling-station locations.
Governor Doyle also directed Department of Administration Secretary Steve
Bablitch and Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Secretary Rod Nilsestuen to look into how the state can attract more E85
pumps, making the use of this fuel even more convenient for state
employees and the general public.
"For every dollar we spend at the gas pump, seventy cents leaves the
Wisconsin economy," Governor Doyle said. "But for every dollar we spend on
ethanol, seventy cents stays right here in Wisconsin -- and that's good
news for the hardworking farmers all across this state."