LANSING – Oakland County Democrats today heralded a major step toward easing the burden at the pump for Michigan residents by passing a fuels package that will lower gas prices, reduce Michigan's dependence on foreign oil, and give a boost to Michigan's farmers and agricultural industry.
The bills that passed the House today reflect a Fuels of the Future plan that House Democrats have been pushing for over a year.
"With the price of gas skyrocketing, it's obvious that we can no longer solely rely on foreign oil," said State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak). "This is an important step toward easing our dependence on other oil-producing nations. The production of alternative fuels will create jobs and boost Michigan's agricultural economy."
The bills that passed today will:
- Create incentives for gas station owners to install equipment for ethanol and biodiesel. Gas station owners will be eligible for grants ranging from up to $2,000 to update a current pumping system to up to $15,000 to install a new system.
- Require that the state purchase vehicles that can run on alternative fuels.
- Establish new renaissance zones for renewable energy facilities.
- Create a Fuels of the Future Commission within the Department of Agriculture to investigate and recommend strategies for encouraging the use of alternative fuels.
"Michigan will lead the nation in the development of alternative fuels," said State Representative Aldo Vagnozzi (D-Farmington/Farmington Hills). "Consumers are being held hostage by oil prices. We need options and financial incentives to make those options practical. Michigan is the state that pioneered the development of the automobile. I see no reason why we can't also be a pioneer in the development of alternative fuels."
The Democratic proposal would go further by requiring all gasoline sold in Michigan to consist of 10 percent ethanol and all diesel to consist of at least 5 percent biodiesel.