Michigan Launches Renewable Fuels Commission
Public/private team to help develop states alternative fuel industry

LANSING--Michigan Department of Agriculture director, Mitch Irwin, today announced that the Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission will convene its first meeting in Lansing on November 30, 2006. Established through Public Act 272 of 2006, the public-private commission will recommend strategies that Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the state legislature may implement to promote Michigan's production and distribution of alternative fuel. The event will feature Suzanne Hunt, Biofuels Project Manager for Worldwatch Institute--an independent research organization focusing upon critical global issues--as keynote speaker.

"The work of the Renewable Fuels Commission is a critical part of our effort to make Michigan the nation's leader in developing and producing alternative energy," said Granholm. "As more E-85 and flex fuel vehicles are produced, it is essential that we make biodiesel and ethanol products more widely available and encourage their use."

All are encouraged to visit the commission's Web site at www.renewablefuelscommission.org to view a list of commission members, the meeting agenda, access useful resources and participate in a public opinion survey. The site and electronic survey were created by Public Sector Consultants, Inc. to gather information on behalf of the commission.

"Rolling up our sleeves with our industry leaders is the cohesive approach Michigan needs to pinpoint opportunities and achieve results," said Irwin, who also serves as chair of the Renewable Fuels Commission. "While the alternative fuel sector is complex and constantly changing, pooling the expertise of such a diverse group not only allows us to see around the bend, it enables us to determine what it is we want to see."

The Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission was signed into law earlier this year by Granholm as part of a seven-bill package designed to spur growth of the state's alternative fuel industry. The package also reduced the gas tax by 36 percent on fuel that contains ethanol and by 20 percent on biodiesel blends; provided grants to service station owners who renovate or expand their existing stations to make E-85 and biodiesel available; and allowed for the creation of new agriculture renaissance zones to help spur additional ethanol and biodiesel plants. Granholm has also called for the state to have 1,000 biofuel pumps available by 2008.

The Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission will meet from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2006, in the Michigan Room of the Romney Building across from the State Capitol in Lansing.

For more information on the Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission, visit: www.renewablefuelscommission.org.

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