PITTSBURGH, PA – On Sept. 18, a panel of top experts from the automotive, energy, and gas retail industries held an open forum discussion at the Sheetz Monroeville location to help consumers learn more about E-85 ethanol-based fuel. The panel consisted of six experts from Sheetz, GM, VeraSun Energy, local GM dealerships, and the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory. Media and customers were invited to ask questions and listen to panelists explain what E-85 is and how the corn-based, renewable, clean-burning fuel is used.

Sheetz’ will begin offering E-85 ethanol-based fuel at two more of its Pittsburgh area locations, including the Monroeville location, as well as the Robinson Township store. On Jul. 10, Sheetz began selling VeraSun’s branded E-85 (VE-85) at its Pleasant Hills store.

VeraSun Energy, the nation’s second largest ethanol producer, has partnered with GM and retail fuel providers in other states to make E-85 more available and work through its branded fuel to bring awareness and credibility to this emerging, renewable alternative fuel.

Since May 2005, GM has announced partnerships with states and fuel providers around the country and expects to help launch more than 160 new E-85 fueling locations by the end of 2006.