HCS HB 709 -- QUALIFIED BIO-MASS

SPONSOR:  Quinn, 7 (Dethrow)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Agriculture Policy by a vote of 10 to 0.

This substitute adds qualified bio-mass to Missouri agricultural
products used in the production of fuel ethanol by Missouri
qualified fuel ethanol producers.  Beginning January 1, 2008,
through December 31, 2018, Missouri qualified fuel ethanol
producers producing fuel ethanol from qualified bio-mass will be
eligible to receive grants from the Department of Agriculture.
The aggregate amount of the grants is not to exceed $10 million
per year.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Income on General Revenue Fund of
$2,500,000 in FY 2008, $5,625,000 in FY 2009, and $5,541,667 in
FY 2010.  No impact on Other State Funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that qualifying bio-mass as a feed
stock for the production of cellulosic ethanol could provide
Missouri with a viable market for forest thinnings, organic
municipal wastes, and certain grass varieties and crop wastes.
If 85% of Missouri forests which have no forest management plan
are not managed for sustainability, the growth of valuable hard
wood is hindered.  The economic activity generated by Missouri
forest products is currently approximately $4.4 billion yearly.
This amount could be triple through sustainable forest management
practices coupled with cellulosic ethanol production.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Dethrow; Brian
Brookshire, Missouri Forest Products Association; Scott Brundage,
Missouri Consulting Foresters Association; Dr. Garrett,
University of Missouri; Missouri Agriculture Industries Council;
Department of Conservation; Missouri Agricultural and Small
Business Authority, Department of Agriculture; and Missouri Farm
Bureau.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am