Contact: Joshua Morby, 414-791-9120
MADISON – The Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition praised Governor Jim Doyle for calling on the Legislature to pass legislation that would require 10 percent ethanol to be blended with low grade gasoline in Wisconsin. Known as the ethanol bill, Assembly Bill 15 and its companion Senate Bill 15, will spur new jobs, lower emissions, lower gas prices, and reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil.
In his annual State of the State Address, Governor Doyle called on state lawmakers to work together and send the bill to his desk. The Governor has pledged to sign the bill into law.
“We want to thank Governor Doyle and legislators from both sides of the aisle for their support of this bill and the ethanol industry,” said Bill Oemichen, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, a lead partner in the coalition. “By passing this legislation, Wisconsin will not only be a national leader in the ethanol industry, but will also create jobs and lower gas prices.”
There are currently four ethanol plants on line in Wisconsin and two more under construction.
In yet more good news for the bill’s passage, the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Insurance will hold a public hearing on SB 15, Wednesday,, January 18, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 411 South of the State Capitol.
Momentum for passage of the ethanol bill continues to grow. Just last week, nearly 40 agricultural, manufacturing, business, labor, and municipal organizations joined the Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition.
The Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition is a diverse group of businesses, environmental groups, and statewide and local organizations that have come together to build both public and legislative awareness of ethanol issues in Wisconsin. The ethanol industry is proud to have the support of both Republican and Democratic legislators, as well as Governor Doyle.
For a complete list of supporters and to find out more about the ethanol industry, please visit www.wisconsinethanol.com.
