May 19, 2010
Doyle Signs Renewable Fuels Bill into Law
Published in Wisconsin Ag Connection
A legislative proposal that would encourage the development, production and use of renewable fuels in Wisconsin is now the law of the land. On Tuesday, Governor Jim Doyle signed SB 279, also known as the 'ethanol bill,' which organizes the way biofuel research and development is managed in the state, as well as streamlines the bureaucracy and regulatory burdens faced by manufacturers and retailers. It also sets realistic benchmarks for the industry.
Specifically, the bill expands state programs to support the establishment, production, harvest, storage, and transport of bioenergy feedstocks--such as corn for ethanol production. The measure also specifies that the renewable energy grant and loan program applies to biorefineries in general, rather than just cellulose ethanol plants.
The legislation also calls for the creation of a bioenergy advisory council to study and report voluntary best management practices for sustainable biomass and biofuels production.
Supporters of the new initiative say...
