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| Michigan biofuels bill on the way |
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| Monday, 26 June 2006 | |
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A bill proposed by State Representative Jeff Mayes, (Democrat Bangor Township), to establish a Renewable Fuels Commission has been agreed and is to be headed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. The commission will investigate and recommend strategies to encourage the use of alternative fuels and the education of residents as to its benefits. Mayes said Granholm is expected to sign the bill into law.
"Developing renewable fuels like biodiesel and ethanol right here in Michigan will put more money in the pockets of our local farmers, which will, in turn, give our economy a much-needed boost", Mayes, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, said in a statement.
In Michigan, biodiesel is made from soybeans and ethanol from corn; both are major agricultural products in the state.
Mayes' bill was part of a bipartisan package that passed the House on Thursday.
The package is also intended to:
Jennifer Granholm and Ted Kulongoski (D.Ore.) hosted a national conference call today to talk about the nation’s energy future and the policies Democratic governors are putting to work to reduce America’s reliance on foreign oil.
Gov. Granholm said she is focused on making Michigan the country's first 'energy-independent' state (one that is not dependent on foreign oil). She also announced her support for the '25x25' blueprint which calls for 25 percent of the nation’s energy to come from renewable resources by 2025.
Granholm talked about Michigan’s alternative energy accomplishments during the last three years. She said these have included building four additional ethanol plants, increasing availability of ethanol to the motoring public, and purchasing hybrid and flex fuel cars for the state fleet.
Gov. Kulongoski told callers that making America energy independent is critical to the country's national security, environment, and economy.
In his first term as Governor, Kulongoski made Oregon's energy independence his priority, developing the state’s first Renewable Energy Action Plan, increasing the state’s use of flex-fuel, biodiesel and hybrid vehicles by approximately 200%, and moving the state government toward 100% renewable-derived energy by 2010.
Looking to the future, Kulongoski has a plan to diversify Oregon’s energy supply by investing in both research and development of alternative energy, including ethanol and biodiesel for cars, wind, wave, geothermal and solar power for electricity. Kulongoski has also called for a Renewable Portfolio Standard of 25% by 2025 to ensure Oregon ends its dependence on traditional fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas.
David Smith, Singapore
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