LANSING – House Democrats are heralding 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 on Thursday reflect a Fuels of the Future plan that House Democrats have been pushing for over a year.
"By investing in the fuels of the future, we can help drive down gas costs for Michigan residents and boost our economy at the same time," Rep. Paula Zelenko (D-Burton) said.
"House Democrats have long called for relief for our residents who are pumping far too much of their hard-earned money into their gas tanks," said Rep. John J. Gleason (D-Flushing) today. "Today, we took a major step toward bringing them that relief."
The bills that passed Thursday would:
· 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.
"Under this plan, the Flint area stands to become the hub that brings together our automotive know-how, our growing alternative fuels industry and Michigan's great agricultural sector," said Rep. Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Township). "Partnerships among these industries will strengthen our economy in Flint and throughout Michigan."
"Flint is in a great position to help Michigan break our dependence on foreign oil," Rep. Brenda Clack (D-Flint) said. "Flint has been a leader in the automotive industry. It can be a leader again in the 21st-Century."
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.