Bell: House Passes Bill to Improve State Ethanol Production

House Passes Bill to Improve State Ethanol Production

(STATEHOUSE) Feb. 24, 2009 - The Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1233, which would require the Regulatory Flexibility Committee to evaluate ethanol use and production in the state.

"This is a bill that will entitle us to better understand how ethanol production fits into Indiana's long term energy portfolio," said House Bill 1233 co-author Rep. Matt Bell (R-Avilla). "Indiana is rich in natural resources that can make us a world leader in ethanol production. This study will help us understand how to best utilize those resources."

Currently, there is not a commission to evaluate ethanol use or production.

The Regulatory Flexibility Committee will focus on six ethanol topics:

• Local, state and federal subsidies and incentives.
• The effect of ethanol production on prices for agricultural commodities, food and fuel.
• The effect of ethanol production on job creation, local economies in Indiana and the economy.
• The effect of ethanol use and production on the environment.
• The availability and use of ethanol and ethanol fueling stations.
• Construction and operation of ethanol production facilities in the financial and credit markets.

 "The Regulatory Flexibility Committee is the most appropriate committee to study this issue," said Rep. Bell. "Their findings will help us understand how to best include ethanol in our state's energy portfolio."