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Hershman: Bill to expand E85 availability advances
Legislation will give more Hoosiers access to alternative fuel
(STATEHOUSE) — At a time when gasoline prices have reached record highs, Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) encourages Indiana citizens to consider the benefits of using blended biofuels.
Legislation Hershman authored to increase the number of E-85 (ethanol) fueling stations across the state has been approved by both houses of the legislature and is now awaiting Gov. Daniels’ signature. Senate Bill 360 would allow retailers and local units of government to receive grants to invest in E85 pumps and fuel tanks.
“We need to expand the use of renewable fuels in Indiana,” Hershman said. “The use of biofuels directly impacts three key areas: agriculture, the environment, and economic development. If we provide more Hoosiers with access to E85, we can help improve our economy and the environment.”
According to Hershman, Indiana has been a national leader in promoting the sale of biofuels and the General Assembly passed a law in 2005 Hershman co-authored requiring state vehicles to use blended biofuels whenever possible.
“As one of the country’s largest producers of corn and soybeans – both products that can be used to create biofuels – the Hoosier state has an innate responsibility to be one of the nation’s leading advocates of biofuels use,” Hershman said.
Indiana currently offers tax breaks and incentives for those who produce and/or use biofuels. Funding for these grants come from corn checkoff funds and has no cost to Indiana taxpayers.
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Hershman represents Senate District 7, which includes Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe and White counties.
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