Nashville, TN E85 Station Holds Opening Celebration

The Citgo station at 500 Main Street in Nashville, Tennessee recently celebrated the opening of the first E85 location within the state. The event on August 19, 2003 brought together individuals from the state with strong interests in E85.

From left to right: David Dunagan (Atlanta Regional Clean Cities), Dave Pelton (Clean Cities of Middle TN), Joe Barker (ECD Asst. Commissioner), and Matthew Kisber (ECD Commissioner).

“The event went very well!” exclaimed Dave Pelton, Clean Cities Coordinator for Middle Tennessee.

VIPs such as Joe Barker, Economic and Community Development (ECD) Assistant Commissioner; ECD Commissioner, Matthew Kisber; General Services Commissioner Gwen Davis; TDEC Commissioner Betsy Child; Mayor of Nashville, Bill Purcell; David Dunagan, Program Director, Atlanta Regional Clean Cities; and Tammy Palmore, Jinnifer Johnston and Glen Craig of Hollingsworth Oil gathered at the site a few minutes before 10 a.m. Dave Pelton then addressed the crowd and Joe Barker introduced the VIPs.

“This is very important for the city and the state,” said Pelton. “It is the first of its kind in the state and is symbolic of a direction in which the city and state are now willing to go. The long-term potential energy security, environmental and economic impacts are great. Even more important is the momentum toward an alternative fuel way of thinking. I am often amazed at how our society can pride itself so much on freedom and choice yet largely ignore the fact that many times no real choice is offered.”

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, Gwen Davis (General Services Commissioner), and Matthew Kisber (ECD Commissioner).

The E85 facility at 500 Main was funded in part by a grant from the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition. At least one more site is planned for Nashville in the next 12 months and several sites across the state.

“We would like to see at least one public station in each major city in Tennessee. When I can drive my E85 minivan the entire stretch of interstate 40 from Memphis to Bristol using only E85 I'll feel like we've really made some progress,” stated Pelton.

To see where you can fuel up your flexible-fuel vehicle with the domestically produced fuel, visit growthenergy.org.