ALTERNATIVE FUEL HWY LOGO SIGNAGE S.B. 1124: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 1124 (as introduced 2-10-08)
Sponsor: Senator Michael Switalski
Committee: Agriculture
Date Completed: 2-29-08
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 205 of 1941, which governs limited access highways, to require the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to allow and approve logo signage identifying a business that sells alternative fuels at retail. The signage would have to contain information concerning the type or types of alternative fuels sold.
"Alternative fuels" would mean biodiesel, biodiesel blend, or E85 fuel, as those terms are defined in Section 78 of the Michigan Strategic Fund Act.
(Section 78 defines "biodiesel" as fuel composed of monoalkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats, and, in accordance with standards specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), designated B100, and meeting the requirements of D-6751, as approved by the Department of Agriculture.
"Biodiesel blend" means a fuel composed of a blend of biodiesel fuel with petroleum-based diesel fuel, suitable for use as a fuel in a compression-ignition internal combustion diesel engine. "E85 fuel" means a fuel blend that contains between 70% and 85% denatured fuel ethanol and gasoline suitable for use in a spark-ignition engine and that meets ASTM D-5798 specifications.)
Public Act 205 generally prohibits commercial enterprises from being conducted on limited access highway property, but allows the use of logo signage within the right-of-way of limited access highways. "Logo signage" means a sign containing the trademark or other symbol that identifies a business in a manner and at locations approved by MDOT. The Department may enter into agreements to allow logo signage, and any revenue received must be deposited into the State Trunk Line Fund.
MCL 252.52 Legislative Analyst: Suzanne Lowe
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Debra Hollon
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb1124/0708