FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2004
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Waugh Holds Press Conference; Announces Plans to Introduce Agriculturally Derived Alternative Fuels Legislation

HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) presented three pieces of legislation, which he will soon introduce to further promote the production and use of agriculturally-derived alternative fuels (biofuels) within the Commonwealth, at a press conference held on Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at 1:45pm in the Capitol Media Center.

"Together this package of legislation will foster sustainable energy in Pennsylvania, help reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports and, simultaneously, build new value-added markets for our State's number one industry – agriculture," said Waugh.

Three separate components of the Senator's legislation aim to:

- Phase out the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a toxic gasoline additive, in Pennsylvania over the course of 5 years with oversight by the Department of Environmental Protection;

- Amend the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority to further define membership on the board of directors and provide the Authority with the power to fund grants for eligible projects;

- Provide for a tax incentive for agriculturally derived alternative fuels produced in the Commonwealth to facilitate the use of biofuels on the open market.

Waugh noted that today's gasoline prices are a prime example of why these alternative fuels are so important to pursue. In addition, he pointed out the environmental and economic benefits of moving forward in the effort to produce and use biofuels in Pennsylvania.

"The environmental concerns with increased pollution and global greenhouse emissions, and the desire to improve the rural economy have stimulated growing interest in the development of bioenergy technologies that wisely utilizes indigenous, renewable resources," stated Waugh.

In addition to Sen. Waugh the following individuals will speak at the press conference: Guy Donaldson, President, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; Dan Sharrer, President, Agricultural Commodities Inc. and Alternative Fuels and Renewable Energy Council; Brian Utz, Penn-Mar Ethanol, LLC; Russ Montgomery, President, Regional Economic Development District Initiatives (REDDI); Betsy Huber, Grange Master, Pennsylvania State Grange. A question and answer period followed.