Complete Story
07/07/2006
Ohio Biofuels Legislation Becomes Law
Contact: Jamie Mossbarger
Communications Director
888.769.6446
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2006
Ohio's First Ever Biofuels Legislation Becomes Law
Columbus, OH Ohio's availability of soy biodiesel and E85 ethanol (E85) will soon increase after Governor Taft signed the state's first ever biofuels legislation into law yesterday. Championed by State Representative Steve Reinhard (R-Bucyrus), House Bill 245 (HB245) is expected to bring more soy biodiesel and E85 to fueling stations across the state as well as make these biofuels more widely available at bulk fuel facilities. All while increasing the demand for Ohio soybeans and corn and strengthening the bottom line of Ohio farmers.
"Through a cooperative effort with the Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Clean Fuels Ohio and the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) has worked diligently for more than a year to get this bill through the legislative process," says John Lumpe, OSA executive director.
Major provisions of HB 245 include establishing the Alternative Fuel Transportation Grant Program and requirements for state of Ohio vehicle fleets to use and purchase vehicles capable of using soy biodiesel or ethanol.
"Through the $1 million grant program, all businesses, non profit organizations, school systems or local governments are eligible to apply for grants that would be used to pay for up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of alternative fuel refueling facilities and for no more than 50% of the incremental fuel cost," says Lumpe.
Under this same program, grants will also be made available for the purchase and installation of alternative fuel distribution facilities and terminals and to pay the costs of educational and promotional materials and activities intended for prospective alternative fuel consumers, fuel marketers and others in order to increase the availability and use of soy biodiesel and E85.
Preferences will be given to entities with publicly accessible refueling facilities, those who have secured funding from other sources, including private or federal grants and entities that have committed to utilizing the purchased or installed facilities or terminals for the greatest number of years. Those purchasing or installing facilities or terminals for both soy biodiesel and ethanol will also be given preference.
HB 245 also requires the Department of Administrative Services to ensure that all new motor vehicles purchased by the state are capable of using alternative fuels.
"Increasing the availability of alternative fuels is a win-win situation not only for us as farmers because it will increase the demand for our product but it is good for the environment, economy and will help to reduce or dependence on foreign oil," says Jeff Sollars, OSA president and Fayette County soybean farmer. "I commend the work of all involved in making this legislation reality and thank Representative Reinhard for his dedication to the agriculture industry."
Soy Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that is made from soybean oil. It can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications and can be blended with conventional diesel to produce a soy biodiesel blend. Soy biodiesel significantly cuts harmful emissions, promotes greater energy independence and boosts our economy. Ohio is home to two soy biodiesel production facilities and currently has more than 150 soy biodiesel distributors and over 50 retail locations. Visit http://www.soybiodiesel.org/ to find a list of Ohio retail locations and distributors.
E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. Besides its superior performance characteristics, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline; it is a completely renewable, domestic, environmentally friendly fuel that enhances the nation's economy and energy independence.
The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a 23-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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