Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Signs Biofuels Development and Incentives Acts to Strengthen National Security, Spur Economic Development

Wall Street Journal: MarketWatch
Last update: 12:26 p.m. EDT July 10, 2008

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., July 10, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell signed legislation today that will help spur the development of homegrown biofuels in Pennsylvania and reduce the state's dependence on foreign fuels by establishing new requirements that every gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel contain a percentage of ethanol and biodiesel.

"Pennsylvanians are struggling with higher fuels costs," said Governor Rendell, who signed House Bill 1202 and Special Session Senate Bill 22 into law at the National Armory in Montgomery County. "Record-high fuel prices are straining family budgets and pinching the bottom lines of our businesses. We need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and keep our energy dollars in Pennsylvania, to invest in our economy and create jobs."

The biofuel percentage requirements established under the new law will go into effect once in-state production reaches certain levels. The requirements -- which include what is believed to be the nation's first state-specific cellulosic ethanol mandate -- will also spur new economic development in renewable biofuels by directing that more of the money spent each year by Pennsylvanians on imported fuels stay in the state.

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