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Shimkus sponsors bill aimed at expanding E-85 availability

BY THE SOUTHERN

Friday, August 1, 2008 1:48 PM CDT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, is the lead Republican sponsor of legislation that seeks to expand the availability of E-85, an Ethanol-blended gasoline, through incentives for gas stations to install E-85 pumps.

The E85 and Biodiesel Access Act of 2008 was introduced on July 31 with Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-South Dakota.

This legislation will increase the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit from 30 percent to 50 percent with a maximum amount of $100,000. Once a state reaches 15 percent of gas stations with E-85 pumps, the tax credit would no longer be eligible in that state.

"Obviously, the tax credit would also only apply to properties that install E-85 pumps after this law goes into effect; it would not be retroactive," Shimkus explained.

"Even in Illinois where E-85 is more available than some states, only about 175 stations out of over 4,000 sell E-85,” he said. “We obviously have a long way to go if we want to expand the use and availability of alternative fuels in order to offset our reliance on imported oil.

"I understand there is an expense when installing E-85 pumps, and the ease in adding an E-85 pump varies based on the existing underground infrastructure. But this legislation will help provide station owners an incentive to selling this American-made fuel."