ALTERNATIVE FUEL FACILITY INFORMATION S.B. 1128:
FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 1128 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Randy Richardville
Committee: Agriculture
CONTENT
The bill would create a new act to require the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) to compile and publish information about establishing an alternative fuel production facility in Michigan.
Specifically, the MDA would have to review and study all information available within any State agency or department to determine the body of relevant information regarding the establishment in Michigan of a production facility for an alternative fuel.
The bill also would require the MDA to compile, in written or electronic format and in a concise and readable form, information about the procedures for preparing and executing applications and approvals necessary to establish an alternative fuel production facility. The Department would have to publish this information and make it available to the public, in written or electronic format, in separate categories for biodiesel fuel, ethanol, and other categories of alternative fuels.
The MDA could identify mechanisms that promoted effective communication and coordination of efforts between this State and local governments, private industry, and institutions of higher education concerning the investigation of, research into, and promotion of alternative fuels. The Department also could review any State regulation that could hinder the use, research, and development of alternative fuels and vehicles that could use them, and recommend changes to the Governor and the Legislature.
The bill would define "alternative fuel" as a fuel composed of biomass or another fuel that does not have petroleum as a base or a blend of a nonpetroleum-based fuel and a petroleum-based fuel. The term would include biodiesel and ethanol.
Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would cost the State a small amount in administrative expense for conducting the study and publishing information on establishing a production facility for an alternative fuel.
Date Completed: 3-24-08 Fiscal Analyst: Jessica Runnels
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. sb1128/0708