LANSING, MI (September 21, 2022) – The Michigan Agri-Business Association and a range of farm and biofuel advocates testified before the Michigan Tax Policy Committee on Senate-approved legislation that would expand access to lower-cost fuel blends produced with renewable energy from Michigan farms. SB 814 would offer qualifying retailers a tax credit for every gallon sold of higher ethanol blends, including $0.05 per gallon of E15 and $0.085 per gallon of E85. “One way to help deliver families and small businesses some relief at the pump is to shift from standard E10 gasoline – blended with 10% biofuels – to E15, a renewable fuel blend made with 15% biofuel,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of Michigan Agri-Business Association, during his testimony at today’s hearing. “These fuels are made here in Michigan, using corn produced by Michigan farmers.” “If stations across Michigan made a full shift to E15, it would add nearly $530 million in Gross Domestic Product to Michigan’s economy and save millions of dollars in fuel costs for families and businesses. That’s not just money back in families’ pockets statewide, it’s economic development for agriculture – funds that will support farm families and the many employees at our member companies who help plant, care for, harvest, and transport crops,” added Lippstreu. Supporters of the bill include the Michigan Corn Growers Association, Michigan Farmers Union, Michigan Agri-Business Association, Clean Fuels Michigan, Michigan Farm Bureau, POET, Growth Energy, and other leaders in clean energy and agriculture. Earlier this year, supporters sent a letter encouraging House and Senate leaders to move forward on the bill in light of surging gasoline costs. # # #
