Missouri senate approves ethanol standard
By Jessica McCormack, posted 5/3/06

On April 26th, 2006, the Missouri Senate approved House Bill 1270 that requires gasoline sold across the state to contain a 10 percent ethanol blend.

Sen. John Cauthorn, (R-Mexico), sponsored the bill and noted, “Missouri motorists will soon be using a cleaner burning, renewable fuel that lowers prices at the pump and supports Missouri’s farmers.”

As of Jan. 1, 2008, all gasoline sold in Missouri will contain a 10 percent ethanol blend. However, consumers wanting to buy higher-octane gas will still be able to.

Missouri’s farmers are seeing dollar signs. Ethanol is a renewable product made from fermented agricultural products, such as corn. According to a Missouri Senate press release, a study by the University of Missouri estimates that ethanol production in Missouri will provide $178 million in value-added income to the state’s economy.

More than 1,500 Missouri families have cooperatively invested in Missouri ethanol plants that will need to produce 315 million gallons of ethanol to meet the new requirement. To date, Missouri is home to three ethanol plants. In order to meet the goals of the new standards, construction for two additional plants has begun. It is estimated that by 2008, Missouri will produce enough ethanol to meet the 315 million gallon quota.

U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, (R-Columbia), said earlier in the year, “We need to stop depending on the Middle East and look right here in the Midwest.” That’s exactly what the Missouri Senate has done in passing the Missouri Renewable Fuels Standard.

Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Sen. Bill Stouffer, (R-Napton) is pleased with the approval.

“It’s high time that we look to the Midwest and provide an opportunity for all Missourians to benefit. Ethanol blends are cleaner burning, will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and provide incentives for Missouri farmers.”

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