Creating fuel blend requirements for new gas stations, providing grants for fuel blend compatibility improvements, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
The passage of SB454 would significantly impact state laws concerning fuel sales, pushing the state towards a more pronounced renewable energy policy. By requiring new fuel retailers to accommodate specific ethanol and biodiesel standards, the bill facilitates the gradual transition to cleaner fuel options. Furthermore, these modifications may alter the competitive landscape for fueling stations, as existing facilities may need to adapt in order to comply, leading to potential market shifts. This bill reinforces Wisconsin's commitment to renewable energy and could serve as a model for other states with similar sustainability goals.
Summary
Senate Bill 454 aims to enhance renewable fuel use within Wisconsin by imposing new fuel blend requirements on all new retail and wholesale fueling facilities constructed on vacant land. Specifically, the bill mandates that these facilities ensure that their equipment can handle gasoline-ethanol blends containing at least 25 percent ethanol by volume and biodiesel blends containing at least 20 percent biodiesel by volume. As an incentive to comply with these new regulations, the bill allocates funding for grant programs through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), which can cover up to 50 percent of the costs incurred for the necessary equipment or infrastructure replacements.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB454 may include debates on the associated costs for small businesses required to implement the new equipment standards. Opponents of the bill might argue that the mandates could lead to increased operational costs and could disproportionately affect smaller fueling facilities, leading to a competitive disadvantage compared to larger, established companies that can absorb these costs more easily. Furthermore, some stakeholders might express concern regarding the availability and supply of compatible fuel blends, as the infrastructure to support increased ethanol and biodiesel usage may not be uniformly distributed across the state.
Providing income tax credits for the retail sale of higher ethanol blends of fuel and expenditures for lockable gun and ammunition storage and discontinuing income tax credits for qualified alternative-fueled motor vehicle property or fueling station expenditures, agritourism liability insurance, assistive technology contributions, declared disaster capital investment, environmental compliance, owners promoting employment across Kansas and swine facility improvement.
Transportation: motor fuel tax; incentives for the sale and production of biodiesel; provide for. Amends 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.1 - 206.847) by adding sec. 679.
Transportation: motor fuel tax; incentives for the sale and production of biodiesel; provide for. Amends 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.1 - 206.847) by adding sec. 279.
A bill for an act modifying the sales or use tax refund for biodiesel production, and including retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 2275, SSB 3102.)