Contact: Joshua Morby, (414) 791-9120
Ad Encourages Consumers to Contact Their Senators and Ask Them to Support Ethanol Bill
MADISON – The Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition announced today that it has launched a statewide radio ad campaign encouraging residents to contact their state Senators and ask them to support the ethanol bill. Assembly Bill 15, known as the ethanol bill, requires the use of 10 percent ethanol in select Wisconsin fuels.
“As a vote on the ethanol bill draws near in the Senate, support for its passage continues to grow,” said Bill Oemichen, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, a lead partner in the coalition. “We are hoping that this radio campaign will show state lawmakers the strong support this legislation has throughout the state, and that they will act quickly to send the bill to the Governor’s desk.”
The 60-second radio ad, which began running statewide today, promotes the benefits of the ethanol industry to Wisconsin, including its potential to create jobs, lower gas prices, and reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil. The ad also encourages consumers to contact their Senators and ask them to vote in favor of AB 15 when it comes before the Senate.
According to the Consumer Federation of America, consumers who fill up with E-10, a blend of 10 percent ethanol and gas, save up to 8 cents a gallon at the pump. There are currently four ethanol plants on line in Wisconsin and two more under construction.
In recent weeks, support for the ethanol bill has continued to build, as dozens of diverse groups – including the state’s top environmental organizations –expressed their support for the ethanol industry.
The ethanol bill has passed the state Assembly and is now before the state Senate for consideration. The Senate Agriculture and Insurance Committee is expected to take executive action on the bill next Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 330 SW of the State Capitol. Governor Doyle, who called on lawmakers to pass the bill in his State of the State Address, has pledged to sign it into law.
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. The ethanol industry is proud to have the support of both Republican and Democratic legislators, as well as Governor Doyle.
To listen to the ad, see a complete list of supporters and to find out more about the ethanol industry, please visit www.wisconsinethanol.com.
