Originally published December 7 2005
Wisconsin encourages consumers to buy flexible fuel vehicles with new legislation
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In Madison, Wisc., the Assembly Committee on Rural Affairs and Renewable Energy approved a bill that provides incentives to consumers who buy flexible fuel vehicles.
A bill giving consumers an incentive to buy flexible-fuel vehicles passed the Assembly Committee on Rural Affairs and Renewable Energy on a unanimous vote Thursday.
"I feel that encouraging consumer demand for flexible-fuel vehicles will help our nation move towards greater energy independence and security," Sheridan said in prepared remarks to the committee.
The bill, AB 809, provides a maximum, nonrefundable $1,000 income tax credit on the first $20,000 of a flexible-fuel vehicle's value.
Flexible-fuel vehicles can use E-85 gasoline, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
In addition to having a five-year sunset, the bill applies only to new flexible-fuel vehicles, which Sheridan said will stimulate Wisconsin's economy and reduce the fiscal impact of the tax credits.
"This legislation would move the state of Wisconsin towards a clean energy policy that protects our air, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, expands a market for Wisconsin grown corn and other farm products, and is less expensive for consumers," Vinehout said.
She also encouraged the committee to pursue legislation to encourage development of E-85 production in the state.
Chet Gerlach, a lobbyist for the Wisconsin Ethanol Producers Association, said Wisconsin has only 17 E-85-compatible stations.
However, he expects that number to rise by year's end.
Sheridan also took time during his testimony to emphasize that he believes the General Motors plant in Janesville still has a bright future, and he slammed "doomsayers" who are predicting the plant's demise.
Such critics, Sheridan said, overlook the partnership between management and members of the United Auto Workers who recently ratified changes to employee health plans that included reducing health care benefits to make GM more competitive.
About 24 percent of the trucks produced at the Janesville GM plant are flexible-fuel vehicles with E-85-compatible engines.
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