Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
The ethanol issue is back
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jan 28 2008, 01:27 PM
A bill mandating the sale of ethanol is back before the state legislature.
The state Senate Committee on Campaign Finance Reform, Rural Issues and Information Technology will hold an executive session Tuesday, January 29 at 10:00 a.m. on Senate Bill 380 (SB 380).
SB 380 requires that gasoline sold in Wisconsin must contain the following percentages of ethanol:
(a) In 2009 to 2014, 10 percent.
(b) In 2015 to 2019, 15 percent.
(c) In 2020 to 2024, 20 percent.
(d) In 2025 and thereafter, 25 percent.
There are penalties for refiners who fail to comply.
A refiner may be required to forfeit not more than $10,000 for a first offense, not less than $500 nor more than $50,000 for a second offense, and not less than $1,000 nor more than $100,000 for a third and subsequent offense.
Here is a copy of SB 380.
I understand the importance farmers place on ethanol. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation says, “The use of grain for ethanol adds up to 10-15 cents for every bushel of corn for Wisconsin farmers.”
Certainly we all wish success for our hard-working farmers. However, the market should decide ethanol sales to consumers, not the government. The government should not interfere with the lives of consumers by determining the fuel they put in their gasoline tanks.
For that reason, I made the successful motion on the Senate floor in the previous legislative session to kill the bill that would have mandated gasoline sold in Wisconsin contain 10 percent ethanol.
As I have stated in the past, if ethanol is of great benefit, then the market should decide. At this time, I do not see a groundswell of support among consumers demanding this product.
