Alexander says state could be biodiesel hub, Gas Tax Cap Signed By Governor, Effective June 1

Alexander says state could be biodiesel hub
Nashville City Paper - Nashville,TN,USA
State players in the emerging alternative-fuels industry say Tennessee has the potential to lead the country in biodiesel production. ...
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State players in the emerging alternative-fuels industry say Tennessee has the potential to lead the country in biodiesel production.

They suggest that both the opportunity to grow massive amounts of soybeans and an ideal location in a well-traveled shipping corridor will allow Tennessee to be a hub of the biodiesel business.

Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, talked with a panel of state biodiesel experts Monday at Nashville Auto Diesel College (NADC) about how to monitor the progress of alternative fuels in the state.

NADC, which serves about 1,600 students, has added to its 13-month degree a course that trains technicians on the maintenance and conversion of alternative-fuel engines.

Last year Congress passed a sweeping energy reform bill that included a biodiesel tax credit, and Alexander discussed its effectiveness.

“I care a lot about the environment, but I’ve noticed that sometimes the environment — when it’s all by itself — doesn’t come up very high on the list of public concern,” Alexander said. “We have an opportunity to clean the air, stabilize the cost of gasoline, and put money in the pockets of Tennessee farmers.”

While the state boasts 50 retail stations that sell some form of biodiesel, Nashville only has one station dedicated to alternative fuels. Gov. Phil Bredesen has included $4 million in his proposed state budget to increase the number of biodiesel and ethanol pumps within the state.

The mixtures generally range from 2 (B-2) to 20 (B-20) percent vegetable oil, which is combined with pure diesel fuel. Most diesel engines can run on the mixtures, though the higher blends sometimes void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Farming representatives say the state still needs its own “crushing” facility that processes the soybeans and extracts the oil. Of the 7 million acres of farmland in the state, 1.2 million acres are cultivated with soybeans — the optimal ingredient for biodiesel production. However, there is no processing plant in the state.

“There’s a window of opportunity that has opened,” said Danny Rochelle, vice president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. “We have looked for ways to add value to our products and bring more income back to the farm.”

Rochelle said he hopes young people have a renewed interest in farming if new revenue streams become lucrative.

Economists estimate that biodiesel production will raise the cost of soybeans by as much as 20 cents per bushel every year. Current prices fluctuate near $6 per bushel.

Biodiesel could also save trucking companies from new Environmental Protection Agency standards that lower sulfur levels in diesel fuel. Environmentalists say even B-2 biodiesel blends can make up for the lubrication lost from the sulfur.

“People need to know there’s a product out there as good and sometimes better than what they’re already using,” said Dave Pelton, director of Clean Cities Middle Tennessee. “I’ve been doing this for five years, and I’ve never had someone come back to me and say they weren’t satisfied with the results.”

Alexander’s panel told him that the rise of biodiesel could reduce the country’s petroleum consumption by 3 percent. Only 1 percent of cars sold in the United States burn diesel fuel, but that number could reach 15-20 percent by 2010, Pelton said.

Gas Tax Cap Signed By Governor, Effective June 1
North Country Gazette - Chestertown,NY,USA
... in his Executive Budget; and a tax credit for clean heating fuel for residential use of up to 20 cents/gallon based on the percentage of biodiesel in "bioheat ...
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 ALBANY---New York motorists will get some relief at the gas pump beginning June 1 as Gov. George E. Pataki has signed legislation into law that will cap the state tax once it goes over $2 a gallon, making New York State the first state in the nation to take action to lower taxes to provide motorist relief.

At least 19 other states are considering similar proposals.

Motorists will save about four cents a gallon or 80 cents for a 20-gallon fill-up. Counties can also lower their county sales tax which would give greater relief.

The new law also includes a personal income tax benefit of up to $500 if a homeowner installs a new energy-efficient, Energy Star home heating system.

It's estimated the gas tax cap will instantly save motorists more than $220 million a year. That savings could double if counties agree to cap their own local share of the gas tax an equal amount.

"Now that the Governor has signaled his approval, it's time for county governments to add to motorists' savings by reducing their own gas tax and returning the government's windfall, that resulted from higher prices, back to the taxpayers," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said. "Government should not profit on the backs of struggling taxpayers."

The bill requires gas dealers to reduce their prices by a similar amount, and sets stiff penalties -- up to $5,000 per incident -- on dealers who pocket the savings, instead of returning it to motorists.

The Governor has again proposed a series of "energy independence" initiatives that would increase the production, distribution, and consumption of renewable fuels as part of a broad plan to reduce New York's dependence on petroleum and imported energy.

"The impact of high fuel prices is being felt by families and businesses across the State, and I am signing this legislation in hopes that these tax cuts will provide some modest relief, especially as we enter the busy summer travel and tourism season," Governor Pataki said. "However, we must build upon this measure by implementing some aggressive, far-reaching initiatives to boost the availability and use of homegrown renewable fuels and provide a viable option to gasoline imported from the Middle East. I call on the Legislature to take immediate action to institute incentives for renewable and alternative fuel sources so that we can achieve real solutions and long-term relief from high energy costs."

Under the new law, New York State will continue to impose sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, but will limit the sales taxes collected to a maximum of 8 cents, an amount equal to the sales tax when the fuel price is $2/gallon. If the price of fuel is below $2/gallon, the sales tax will be proportionally applied at the normal rate of 4 percent/dollar.

Other measures enacted by this law include a personal income tax credit of up to $500 for the installation of new energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR home heating systems, which the Governor originally proposed in his Executive Budget; and a tax credit for clean heating fuel for residential use of up to 20 cents/gallon based on the percentage of biodiesel in "bioheat," a blend of biodiesel and conventional home heating oil.

Citing the need to expand New York's efforts to increase the use of renewable and alternative fuels, and enhance energy efficiency, the Governor will once again propose legislation to:

Provide a $2,000 personal income tax credit for the purchase of hybrid vehicles. This tax credit would help to defray incremental costs that raise the purchase price for these vehicles.

Provide a property tax credit for the installation of renewable fuel pumps at private sector gas stations. These tax credits would provide critical incentives for these stations to offer ethanol (E85), B20 (biodiesel) or CNG (compressed natural gas). There are nearly 200,000 flex fuel vehicles on the road in New York State that can use E85 or traditional gasoline. Although some public alternative fueling stations are being developed, at the present time, there are no public stations where New Yorkers can fuel their vehicles with ethanol.

The Governor also has directed the New York State Thruway to begin installing or converting fuel pumps at all travel plazas to provide motorists with the option to use E85, B20, or CNG.

Eliminate all State taxes on renewable fuels to make E85 and B20, which would stimulate the market for these fuels, and provide consumers with a viable alternative to gasoline or traditional diesel.

Establish two sales tax-free weeks for the purchase of ENERGY STAR products and appliances, including energy-efficient refrigerators, washers and dryers, room air conditioners, light fixtures, and more.

Extend Empire Zone tax benefits to qualifying clean energy companies regardless of where these firms are located in New York State. These clean energy companies are primarily engaged in research, development, or manufacturing of energy efficiency or renewable energy technologies or products.

Other "energy independence" initiatives proposed by Governor Pataki and enacted in the 2006-07 State Budget include: a $20 million program to develop a pilot cellulosic ethanol facility in New York State; a renewable fuel production tax credit; and incentives for the siting or development of an advanced "clean coal" power plant in New York.

In addition, the State has implemented the Clean Pass and Green E-Z Pass programs, which provide incentives for the use of hybrids or other fuel-efficient vehicles. Under these programs, vehicles that average 45 m.p.g. and meet specific EPA emissions standards are eligible to use HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers, and receive discounts for Thruway tolls.

New York State invests more than $300 million a year in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including the Systems Benefit Charge (SBC), a program operated by NYSERDA that provides $175 million annually to promote greater energy efficiency, low-income energy assistance, and projects that reduce energy usage. 5-22-06