Wisconsin Ag Connection - Farmers Urged to Call Lawmakers Over Biodiesel Provisions

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Farmers Urged to Call Lawmakers Over Biodiesel Provisions
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/28/2007

State school districts and government agencies aren't the only groups keeping a close eye on the state budget process. This week the Wisconsin Soybean Association and Wisconsin Biodiesel Association have issued a call for action to its members and constituents, encouraging them to contact lawmakers on the budget conference committee and encourage them to support various provisions that will boost biodiesel initiatives.

The two organizations say that Governor Jim Doyle has proposed $30 million for renewable energy. Another proposal calls for a new program to stimulate the biodiesel fuel market in Wisconsin by creating specific incentives in the area of biodiesel.

WSA Director Bob Karls says his group is asking members to call key legislators and ask them to support three other specific budget items.

"We are supporting infrastructure incentives including wholesale tax credits for in-line blending racks and retail tax credits, grants for soybean crushing facilities with Landmark committed to matching up to $4,000,000, and the income tax credit for biodiesel producers in Wisconsin," Karls says.

The call to action is also being launched by the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin BioIndustry Alliance and Landmark Services Cooperative.

"We really need you to contact the legislative offices this week and let them know you support the Governor's $30 million state budget commitment to renewable energy," Karls said. "You believe it is important for our ag community and our economy to create a biodiesel market in Wisconsin."

The state budget was supposed to be approved by July 1, but has been in a legislative tug-a-war because of several controversial big ticket items in the package such as Universal Health Care and various tax increases. Wisconsin is the only state in the nation that has not signed a new budget into law this year.

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