Joe Uecker

State Representative

07/16/06

Increasing Ethanol Production in Ohio

With the increasing prices of gas and oil, it is important that Ohio and the rest of the nation find new fuel sources to meet our energy needs and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Using solar and wind power as a fuel source is one option, however, many areas, including Ohio are finding products such as ethanol and biodiesel a viable alternative to petroleum-based fuels. 

Ethanol is a high-octane fuel made from corn, sorghum and other grain products. When added to ordinary unleaded gasoline, ethanol increases the oxygen content of the fuel – helping it to burn cleaner and cooler, making it an appealing alternative to gasoline and other petroleum-based fuels. Ethanol is widely available in Ohio at a 10 percent blend in gasoline, but efforts are being made to increase the availability of a higher blend of ethanol known as E85 – a fuel consisting of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

The Ohio Legislature is committed to expanding the production and use of ethanol. Recently, House Bill 245 was signed into law, a measure which establishes new requirements for alternative fuel use by state vehicles. Beginning this month, 100 percent of new vehicles purchased by the state must be capable of using alternative fuels, with some exceptions made for cost and feasibility. Ohio already has more than 2,000 flexible-fuel vehicles, which can function on conventional gasoline, ethanol or a combination of the two within the same tank.

Additionally, there is also a provision in the law requiring state vehicles use at least 60,000 gallons of E85 fuel per year by January 1, 2007, with an increase of 5,000 gallons per year each subsequent year. At least 1 million gallons of biodiesel must be used in state vehicles by January 2007, with annual increases of 100,000 gallons.

In order to meet the rising demand for ethanol, the state is also working to increase the number of ethanol production plants. A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held in Coshocton for a new ethanol plant which is expected to produce more than 60 million gallons of ethanol within its first three years of operation. In addition, three more plants are being built and five others are in the planning stages.

Plans are also underway to increase the number of gas stations across the state that sell alternative fuels such as E85. Kroger, General Motors Corp. and the state recently announced a partnership to bring more E85 pumps to Ohio. Eight new fueling stations have begun selling E85 since last summer and that number is expected to triple by the end of this year, giving more and more Ohioans access to these fuel alternatives.

Ethanol and similar alternative fuels represent an important industry to Ohio and an important part of our future. Many of these fuels can be produced using renewable resources and products from right here in Ohio, such as corn and soybeans. Members of the Ohio House will continue to invest in ethanol and other alternative energy sources due to the potential cost savings for consumers as well as their energy efficiency.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding ethanol or any other state-related matter. You can reach my office at (614) 466-8134 or write me, State Representative Joe Uecker, at 77 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Joe Uecker

State Representative

Ohio’s 66 District

Representing Batavia, Goshen, Miami and Union Townships as well as the Cities of Loveland and Milford and the Villages of Batavia and Amelia. 

Columbus Phone: 614-466-8134

Email:   Joe@JoeUecker.com

Website: http://JoeUecker.com