JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Following on the heels of an announcement that convenience retailer Sheetz is becoming the first chain to offer E-85 at the pump, Gov. Ed Rendell (D) said Pennsylvania should have its own means of manufacturing the ethanol-blended fuel, reports television station WJAC.

According to the news source, Gov. Rendell said that it is obvious the state should create ethanol plants because of Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy.

“One of the things that's most potentially advantageous for Pennsylvania is cellulosic ethanol, which comes from a combination of agricultural waste and wood fiber and wood chips, and we have those in abundance,” said Rendell, noting that ethanol plants would be good for the environment and create new jobs.

On July 10, Altoona-based Sheetz announced a partnership with General Motors, VeraSun and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to become the first retail chain to offer E-85 in the state.

Sheetz is offering E-85 at select Pittsburgh locations and will expand availability at other retail locations later this year. 

Gov. Rendell commented during a press conference announcing the availability of E-85 at Sheetz as a “good step forward” to increasing awareness.

“One of the biggest obstacles to greater use of E-85 is availability--especially at the retail level,” said Gov. Rendell, adding, “Here in Pennsylvania, we are leading the charge to greater accessibility as the first state in the Northeast to open publicly available retail E-85 stations.”