President Bush outlined a lofty energy platform during his State of the Union speech. “Let us build on the work we have done and reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent in the next 10 years — thereby cutting our total imports by the equivalent of 3/4 of all the oil we now import from the Middle East.”

As America’s energy needs continue to grow, there are several important things every consumer can do today to reduce energy consumption and bring America one step closer to energy independence.

There are several things we can do now to reduce energy consumption and reach our country’s energy goals even earlier than 2017.

- Today, ethanol is currently blended in 46% of our nation’s fuel supply with the majority of the fuel blended with 10% ethanol. Ethanol-enriched fuels need to be made available to the remaining 54%. In many cities, such as Atlanta, Memphis and Tampa, consumers currently do not have access to purchase even a 10 percent ethanol blend, although it can be used in any of today’s cars.

- If all consumers have the option to purchase a 10 percent ethanol blend by the end of 2009, the U.S. can anticipate offsetting the need for 14.5 billion of gallons of gasoline.

- Activate the more than 6 million flexible fuel vehicles (FFV’s) on the road today. If all FFV drivers fill up with E85 half of the time they need fuel, the nation can eliminate the need for 3.5 billion gallons of gasoline this year alone.

- Consumer’s in the market for a new car should consider a FFV so they can take advantage of the new fuels being offered. The average car travels the roads for 15 years. As E85 is offered at more pumps across the country, you’ll already own the vehicle that can use the fuel.

- In areas where ethanol is available, fill up with 10 percent ethanol-enriched fuel each time you fill up. Not only does more of your dollar stay in America, but you’ll be reducing harmful tailpipe emissions by up to 30 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are contributing to global warming.

Today, the ethanol industry is producing 5.4 billion gallons of ethanol and is ramping up quickly to meet consumer demand. It is estimated that within the next two years, the ethanol industry will be producing nearly 13 billion gallons per year, moving us 37 percent to our nation’s energy security goals by the end of 2009.