Ethanol Legislation Introduced in Coalition States
Iowa
S.F. 279, which would require all gasoline sold in the state after July 1,
1998, to contain at least 2.7 weight percent oxygen, has been introduced and
referred to the Agriculture Committee.
Kansas S.B. 2, which would
extend the current ethanol incentive program until July 1, 2001, was referred to
the Committee on Transportation and Tourism. The bill was unanimously passed out
of Committee and was referred to the Full Committee, which has also recommended
passage.
Montana H.B. 10, which would appropriate funds for use in
building E-85 refueling stations and support the purchase of E-85 vehicles, has
passed the House and is scheduled for its third reading in the Senate. H.B. 10
has been amended to decrease funding from $100,000 to $70,000. Oil overcharge
money will be used to support E-85 vehicles. A one-time investment will also
leverage private sector funds to provide E-85 refueling
stations.
Nebraska L.B. 297, which would require a state-wide
oxygen content of at least 2.7 weight percent, was introduced in January 1997,
and referred to the Natural Resources Committee. The Committee held a hearing on
the bill later in the month. Committee action is pending.
Nebraska
L.B. 617, which would give ten percent ethanol-blended gasoline a three
cents per gallon exemption, was also introduced and referred to the Revenue
Committee. Committee action is pending.
North Dakota S.B. 2367,
which would have required all gasoline sold in the state to contain at least 2.7
weight percent oxygen, was defeated in February when an amendment to end the
state's ethanol producer tax incentives was added to the bill. Supporters of the
legislation are expected to reintroduce the legislation again next
session.
