Submitted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey joined state and local officials, business leaders and environmental advocates on Thursday, Aug. 30, to celebrate the opening of the first E85 Flex Fueling stations on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton and Westborough.

The fueling stations are the MassDOT's answer to travelers' demands for access to alternative fuel.

Labor Day travelers will notice E85 pumps at the Service Plazas in Charlton, on I-90 Eastbound and I-90 Westbound, and in Westborough, on I-90 Westbound. These pumps are clearly marked and stand apart from unleaded and diesel pumps. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and is intended for use in Flex Fuel vehicles.

“MassDOT is committed to meeting the needs of its customers. Our residents and visitors are choosing to purchase flex fuel vehicles. By working with our partners at Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)and Gulf Oil, we are able to now offer travelers three fueling locations along the Massachusetts Turnpike and also advance our GreenDOT goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Davey.

Funding for the $600,000 effort was provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. The funding will also allow for a future fourth E85 pump along the Turnpike. “We are proud to be partnering with MassDOT and Gulf Oil to bring a cleaner, alternative fuel source to the thousands of motorists who drive the Turnpike every day,” said EEA Secretary Rick Sullivan. “We look forward to expanding that availability across the Commonwealth, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing our reliance on foreign fossil fuels."

"Today, Gulf Oil, in partnership with MassDOT and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, is proud to be taking another important step in providing alternative, affordable and environmentally-friendly motor fuels to consumers and drivers traveling across and throughout Massachusetts,” said Gulf Oil President Ron Sabia. “E85 fueling stations are part of Gulf’s effort to expand our energy offerings to meet the needs of consumers, the environment, our nation’s security and its energy future.”

The GreenDOT policy initiative, first released in June 2010, incorporates sustainability into all MassDOT activities to reach greenhouse gas reduction targets mandated under the Global Warming Solutions Act signed by Gov. Deval Patrick in 2008. The GreenDOT initiative also promotes the healthy transportation options of walking, bicycling, and public transit, and supports smart growth development.

The GreenDOT Implementation Plan is available on MassDOT’s GreenDOT website, http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/GreenDOT.asp.