State Legislative Update
Progress on Maryland Clean Cities related Maryland state legislation including:
Passed
- HB 140 - Income Tax – Credit for Cellulosic Ethanol Technology Research and Development
- SB 565 – Income Tax Credit – Bio-Heating Oil
Failed
- 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
Farm Bill signed in Conference Committee. Clean Cities related initiatives include
- Promoting biomass crop production, harvesting, and processing
- Biomass loan guarantees for commercial scale biorefineries for advanced biofuels
- Assists conversion to biomass energy by grant to support repowering existing biorefineries with biomass energy systems
- Encourages production of advanced biofuels (incl. biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol)
- Expands biomass research and development
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Signed Farm Bill Sent to President Missing Trade Title Section, Congress Working to Fix Mistake and Get Entire Bill Passed
Due to a printing error, the Farm Bill that was sent to, and vetoed by, the President, was missing the trade title (which includes international food aid and a certification program for softwood lumber). The mistake was realized before a veto override vote, so Congress must determine the best way of moving forward to ensure that includes all 15 of the titles included in the bill. The House reapproved the bill including the trade title. Senate aides determined during the break that voting on the entire bill again is the best option, rather than approving the trade title separately. The link below contains a thorough story.
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NHTSA Proposed Light Truck Fuel Economy Standard
Rulemaking (Model Years 2008-2011) and Proposed Passenger Car and Light Truck Fuel Economy Standard
Rulemaking (Model Years 2011-2015)
NHTSA is proposing fuel economy standards for light-trucks for the interim period from 2008 to 2010. Manufacturers have the option to continue using the existing standards or the new reformed system based on the vehicle footprint.
The proposed rulemaking for passenger cars and light trucks is also presented for the 2011-2015 time period. The administration has also requested product plans from manufacturers to take into account for developing the rules.
Links:
Princess Anne Protest following Fatal Biodiesel Plant Explosion
Residents of Princess Anne are protesting the Town Commissioners following a fatal explosion at the plant. The explosion rattled windows and items in houses. The main concern is because the plant is located close to residential housing and a planned park. Residents want the plant to be moved. The explosion was not caused by a flaw in the plant’s design and operation, but rather occurred when a welding technician hit a gas line while adding another gas line.
Links:
Maryland Farmers Need to Make Tough Decisions on Corn Acreage to Plant
The Baltimore Sun reports that with corn prices triple what they were a few years ago, Maryland Farmers have the potential to have record profit seasons. However, the increased production costs (tractors, equipment, fertilizer production, etc.) from skyrocketing petroleum prices lead to a potential loss. As a result, the Maryland Grain Producers Board estimates that Maryland farmers will plant 10% less corn than in 2007. The complete story is available at the link below.
Click here for the detailed list
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 Accomplishment Stories
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, 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 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.
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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