Stakeholder Accomplishment Stories
Maryland Clean Cities wants to highlight the successes and challenges of one of the coalition stakeholder each month. This gives stakeholders an opportunity to gain some additional recognition for the work they are doing to promote alternative fuels in their fleet and to potentially help fellow stakeholders who may be going through similar struggles.
Responses to Published Studies Regarding Concern about Impacts on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Land Use Changes Resulting from Increased Biofuels Production and Usage
Two articles published in Science Magazine in February raised significant concerns about the viability of increased U.S. biofuels production, claiming that GHG emissions would rise dramatically due to direct and indirect land use changes needed to support the additional crop growth.
Responses to the arguments posed in the two studies have been released by many interested parties, both public and private, including the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Biomass, Argonne National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USDA, University of Michigan, the 25x’25 Alliance, among others.
Click here for the more information
State Legislative Update
Progress on Maryland Clean Cities related legislation including:
- HB 140 - Income Tax – Credit for Cellulosic Ethanol Technology Research and Development
- SB 342 - Procurement – Flexible–Fuel Vehicles – Alternative Fuel Requirements
- SB 343 - Biodiesel Requirements for the State Vehicle Fleet
- SB 474 - Motor Fuel Tax – Exemptions for Biodiesel – Government Vehicles
Click here for the more information
Federal Legislative Update
House Bill 5351 (H.R. 5351) – Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008
The intent of this bill is to address the incentives, and funding to pay for them, that were removed from the Energy Bill that allowed it to be signed.
Several important provisions that are included in the current version are:
1. Cellulosic Ethanol Production Credit – An additional $0.50/gallon tax credit will be applied to cellulosic ethanol production through the end of 2010. This tax credit will be an addition to the $0.51/gallon for ethanol production tax credit and $0.10/gallon tax credit for small producers.
2. Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension – The $1/gallon and $0.50/gallon tax credit for biodiesel production, along with the $0.10/gallon tax credit for small producers will be extended for two years through the end of 2010.
3. Renewable Diesel Tax Credit Extension and Modification – The bill removes the requirement that the diesel fuel be produced through depolymerization, making it applicable to renewable diesel. The tax credit will be available to any biomass derived diesel fuel, as long as the fuel is usable in diesel-powered highway vehicles. A credit of $1/gallon for fuel that is solely produced from biomass. A credit of $0.50/gallon is available for fuel where biomass is co-produced with other feedstocks such as petroleum.
4. Fuel Production Tax Credit Clarification – The tax incentives are for domestic alternative fuel production. The tax credits are limited to alternative fuels that are produced for consumption in the United States. This clarification will begin as of December 31, 2008.
5. Biofuel Production Impact Study - The National Academy of Sciences will be directed to perform a comprehensive analysis of the current scientific findings relating to future production of biofuels and domestic affects of the dramatic increase in biofuels production.
6. Alternative Fueling Station Tax Credit Extension and Increase – The credit is extended through the end of 2010. The amount of credit is increased from 30% ($30,000 maximum) to 50% ($50,000 maximum) for installing alternative fuel (e.g. E85) pumps.
7. Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credit – The base credit is $4,000 per vehicle. An additional $200 is available if the battery capacity is at least 5 kWh. An additional $200 is available for each kWh above 5 kWh up to a 15kWh maximum for a maximum credit of $6,200 for a 15kWh capacity system.
8. Fringe Benefit for Bicycle Commuters – The bill allows employers to provide employees that bike to work with limited fringe benefits to offset commuting costs (e.g. bike storage).
The bill and related information can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.05351
A summary of the bill can be found at the link below.
Click here for the more information
Increased Biodiesel Usage in State of Maryland Fleet
The Maryland State vehicle fleet continues to increase its usage of biodiesel blends. The fleet has used a total of over 4 million gallons of B5 during the 2005 – 2007 time period; 2.8 million gallons (70%) of this occurred in 2007.
The State of Maryland Opens Second E85 Station in Annapolis
A new E85 fueling location, co-funded by the Maryland Energy Administration and the Department of General Services, has just been completed. The station is located at the Maryland State Police Barrack J at 610 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis (at the intersection of Taylor Ave. and Rowe Blvd.). The station is open to Maryland State fleet vehicles. Federal and local governments may apply for access to the station by contacting MCC Coordinator Chris Rice at (410) 260-7207.
E85 Fuel Dispensing will be Installed at Maryland State Highway Administration Facility in Hanover
A new E85 fueling location, co-funded by the Maryland Energy Administration and the Department of General Services, will soon begin construction. The station will be located at the Maryland State Highway Administration facility located at 7491 Connelley Dr. in Hanover. (just south of Dorsey Road at the southern border of BWI Airport). The station will be open to Maryland State fleet vehicles. Federal and local governments may apply for access to the station by contacting MCC Coordinator Chris Rice at (410) 260-7207.
New Public E85 and Biodiesel Station to Open Soon In Annapolis
A station that will carry E85 and biodiesel blends will be opening at 811 Bestgate Rd. in Annapolis in mid-to late-March. B5 is carried in the winter months, while B10 or higher blends will be carried in warmer weather.
Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Update
A detailed compilation of relevant alternative fuel, hybrid electric, emissions reduction and other fuel efficiency improvement news in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.
Click here for the detailed list
Stakeholder News Updates
Please forward information to Chris Rice (crice@energy.state.md.us) for your story, accomplishments, or announcements to be included in future newsletters.
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