Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 25, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke joins 24 governors to promote ethanol to create jobs and reduce pollution

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke will join 24 governors to promote the use of ethanol, which will help Washington growers earn money from waste products, bring new industry to eastern Washington and promote the use of cleaner, renewable fuel.

"Increased use of ethanol is a win for everyone," Locke said in announcing his participation in the Governors' Ethanol Coalition. "It will reduce pollution, make us less dependent upon imported oil and create economic opportunities for our farm and timber industries."

Ethanol is a fuel created by refining plants or plant waste, including wheat straw, corn, barley and wood debris.

Locke said the benefits of using ethanol include:

* Producing 30 percent less carbon monoxide gas than petroleum-based fuels
* Reducing smoke created by burning agricultural wastes in fields
* Helping the Spokane and Puget Sound areas attain clean air standards
* Creating new commodities for the agricultural and timber industries
Promoting the construction of ethanol production plants in eastern Washington

The governors will focus on national legislative activities, research and development and marketing of ethanol products.

Locke said several companies are considering the construction of ethanol production facilities in eastern Washington.

Ethanol already is produced by the Miller Brewing Co. in Tumwater and by Georgia-Pacific Corp. in Bellingham. One major gasoline supplier blends ethanol in some 30 million gallons of gasoline refined in Washington each year.

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