Complete Story
09/02/2005
Husted Announces Plan To Move Alternative Fuel Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Tabor(614) 466-0863
September 2, 2005
HUSTED ANNOUNCES PLAN TO MOVE ALTERNATIVE FUEL BILL
POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS AT THE PUMP FOR OHIO CONSUMERS
COLUMBUS Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted (R- Kettering) today announced plans to move legislation that could provide taxpayers significant savings at the pump by encouraging the widespread use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol.
"Amid the environment of fuel shortages and high gas prices, it is essential that we explore all reasonable options available for potential cost savings for Ohioans," Husted said. "Not only will this bill promote that objective but it also takes into account the need to expand the available alternatives for more environmentally friendly fuels and keep Ohio's economy moving."
The measure, House Bill 245, sponsored by Representative Steve Reinhard (R-Bucyrus) received bipartisan support in the House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee at the end of June and carries the support of the Ohio Environmental Council and the Ohio Farm Bureau.
"The primary goals of this legislation are to increase use of cleaner, American renewable fuel for motor vehicles, improve air quality and support Ohio's economy by strengthening markets for fuels that can be made from Ohio's agricultural products and other renewable sources," Reinhard stated. "I would like to thank Speaker Husted for his leadership and guidance on this issue, and I look forward to working together with him to move this measure through the legislative process."
The major benefits of the bill include decreasing the state's dependence on foreign oil, reducing air emissions and engine wear, strengthening the bottom line for Ohio's farmers and supporting Ohio's number one industry agriculture.
Ethanol is a colorless liquid distilled from agricultural crops, usually corn. A blend of 85 percent corn and 15 percent petroleum fuel, ethanol burns cleaner than petroleum fuel, is environmentally friendly and is less expensive than petroleum fuel. For example, consumers in Minnesota currently pay 30 to 50 cents less per gallon for alternative fuels.
According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 150,000 cars in Ohio are already capable of using ethanol, commonly referred to as E85. However, alternative fuels such as E85 are not widely available. Through House Bill 245, companies would be provided with state grants to establish the necessary infrastructure in order to provide Ohioans with flexible fuel options.
Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. The use of biodiesel, a blend of soy and petroleum fuel, could save transportation companies and other diesel-based industries on costs associated with operating and maintaining their fleet.
Additionally, a cost savings could be realized in state government where more than 4,500 of the vehicles in the state fleet are capable of utilizing biodiesel.
House Bill 245 is expected to receive consideration by the full House upon the return of the Legislature.
