Williams produces 130 million gallons of ethanol per year through its wholly owned facility at Pekin, Ill., and 75 percent owned Aurora, Neb., facility. These marketing relationships, including Tri-State, produce an additional 75 million gallons per year. Williams markets approximately 315 million gallons of ethanol annually. Ron Miller, vice president of Williams Bio- Energy LLC, said the company is extending its distribution system primarily because of the growing demand for ethanol. Additionally, MTBE in reformulated gasoline is being eliminated in New York and Connecticut by 2004.
Ethanol is a domestic, renewable fuel that is used as a high-quality octane enhancer.
As an oxygenate, ethanol is capable of reducing air pollution and improving automobile performance, Miller said. Ethanol-blended fuels account for more than 12 percent of all automotive fuels sold in the United States. Williams, through its subsidiaries, connects businesses to energy, delivering innovative, reliable products and services. Although the company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual outcomes will not be materially different. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the company's annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.