Bay City Times
By Jeff Kart
Democratic state legislators were to use gas stations and farm fields as the backdrop today for introducing a package of bills aimed at driving down the cost of gas by increasing ethanol use. Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bangor Township, held a press conference this morning at a BP station at 3790 S. Huron Road to unveil the proposal. Other conferences were scheduled in Lansing, Port Huron, Adrian and Sault Ste. Marie. "I think the public wants the state and federal government to do something about skyrocketing fuel prices," Mayes said. He estimates the legislation can cut the price of gas by up to 8 cents a gallon by requiring gas to contain a blend of at least 10 percent ethanol. The move also would provide other benefits because the corn used to make ethanol can come from Michigan farmers, Mayes said. The multi-bill package, to be introduced in Lansing as early as next week, includes: Requiring that all gas sold in Michigan contain at least 10 percent ethanol, and establishing a minimum 5 percent biodiesel requirement for diesel fuel. Currently, there are no minimum state blending requirements. n Giving tax credits for gas retailers and blenders who purchase special equipment for biodiesel and ethanol products. Promoting the use of alternative fuels by recommending that state and local governments use biodiesel fuel, vehicles that can run on 85 percent ethanol, or American-made hybrids. n Creating a commission to promote the research and use of ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels. Clark F. Gerstacker, who grows corn, sugar beets and beans in Bay and Midland counties, said the blending requirements would be good news for farmers. "This would help encourage blenders and the petroleum industry to look at ethanol on a broader scale," said Gerstacker, a board member of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. Farmers can profit by selling corn locally, rather than exporting it, he said. Mayes was to be joined this morning by Reps. Joel Sheltrown, D-West Branch, and Carl Williams, D-Saginaw. Decreasing our dependence on foreign oil with ethanol and biodiesel is a surefire way to create jobs, fuel economic prosperity in our agriculture community and bring price relief at the pump," Mayes said. "It's also better for our air, land and water. Besides the corn required to make ethanol, soybeans can be used to make biodiesel and sugar can be converted to an alcohol-based fuel blend, Mayes said. Currently, 40 percent of corn grown in the Thumb goes to an ethanol plant in Caro. Three Michigan companies also are planning to build new biodiesel plants here, aides said.