The Marine Corps said it will host a ribbon cutting tomorrow for the first “E85” fueling station in Hawaii that utilizes a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

“As always, we are excited to lead the way in conservation,” said Col. Robert Rice, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “The use of E85 alternative fuel along with 70 fuel-flex vehicles, three hybrids and 20 electric carts will drive (the base’s) carbon footprint lower and decrease our reliance on imported oil.” 

“This ribbon cutting recognizes a major achievement towards improving stewardship of the environment, resource conservation and energy use,” added Cmdr. Robert Michels, supply officer for the Kaneohe Bay base.

The Marines said while E85 has been available since the early 1990s, this is the first time the fuel is available on a commercial scale in Hawaii.

The effort also supports the Marine Corps headquarters-mandated gasoline reduction goals and the base’s goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption 10 percent by next summer, officials said.

Ethanol fuel is produced from feedstock, but critics say the diversion of some crops to make ethanol hurts world food prices.

The Defense Department uses 300,000 barrels of oil a day, and it desperately wants to reduce its reliance on foreign oil due to inherent instability in pricing and supply.

The Navy has set a goal requiring 50 percent of the power it and the Marine Corps uses to be derived from renewable energy sources by 2020.

“With the E85 station operational, Marine Corps Base Hawaii hopes to help pave the way for wider use of E85 in the state of Hawaii and throughout the federal government,” Michels said. “Other federal agencies have inquired about using the station, and we look forward to supporting them.” 

Marine Corps Base Hawaii said it also is in the process of completing a fueling station for B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel, to be used in tactical and government vehicles.