Complete Story
05/10/2006
Biofuels Bill Awaits Governor's Signature
Contact:
Jamie Mossbarger
Communications Director
jmossbarger@soyohio.org
614-476-3100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2006
OSA Applauds Final Passage of Biofuels Legislation
Columbus, OH Ohio House Bill 245 the state's biofuels legislation sponsored by Rep. Steve Reinhard (R-Bucyrus) received its final passage from the Ohio House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 95-0 after concurring with the senate and now awaits the Governor's approval. Governor Taft is expected to sign this bill into law in a couple of weeks, allowing Ohio to get on board with other states in promoting the use of soy biodiesel and ethanol.
HB 245 allocates one million dollars to increase the number of E85 and soy biodiesel retail locations and for terminal level blending infrastructure. It also requires the state vehicle fleet to use biofuels. Grants for retail pumps that offer soy biodiesel and E85 will be available along with storage and blending facilities needed to support fuel stations. School districts, municipalities and other government and private fleets that have private refueling facilities can also apply for biofuels grants.
"Passage of House Bill 245 is not only a big win for Ohio but for Ohio's corn and soybean farmers," says Jeff Sollars, OSA President and Fayette County soybean farmer. "It is exciting to know that there will soon be an increased demand for our product and we as farmers are helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
In collaboration with the Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Clean Fuels Ohio, OSA has worked for nearly two years in getting this bill through the legislative process.
"I am extremely pleased with the efforts put forth by each entity involved and would especially like to commend Representative Reinhard for his dedication to this bill and to Ohio agriculture," said John Lumpe, OSA Executive Director. "House Bill 245 is a great start in putting Ohio on the map in helping to reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil while stimulating the state's economic growth."
The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a 22-member volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry.
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