Plan will encourage production of alternative fuels, jumpstart economy
LUDINGTON – As gas prices soared over the holiday weekend, Democratic House hopeful Dan Scripps today called on the State Senate to take action on a plan that will bring motorists the relief they need by encouraging alternative fuel production in Michigan, which will decrease our dependence on foreign oil, create good-paying jobs and jumpstart our economy. Scripps also called on the U.S. Congress to take action at the federal level.
“While big oil companies are continuing to rake in record profits, skyrocketing gas prices are breaking the backs of our residents,” said Scripps, a candidate for the 101st House District. “We must demand change to help our working families, our small businesses and our economy. This weekend we saw gas prices of $4.29 per gallon at Lone Pine Party Store in Beulah and $4.38 per gallon at MC Shortstop – that’s simply unacceptable. By increasing production of alternative fuels, we will take control of our economic future and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.”
The plan that passed the House with bipartisan support will:
• Promote insurance discounts for residents who buy hybrid vehicles.
• Provide tax incentives for machines used to harvest biomass.
• Create the Alternative Fuels Fund, which will provide incentives to retailers who sell renewable fuels and award grants to producers of alternative fuels.
• Expand the role of the Renewable Fuels Commission, which develops strategies for increasing the use and production of alternative fuels in Michigan.
Gas prices have skyrocketed in recent weeks, with new record highs being set day after day. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded gas in Michigan last month was $4.11, according to AAA Michigan. That compares to $3.22 a gallon in June 2007 – a 28 percent increase.
Scripps noted that other towering gas prices in Northwest Michigan last weekend included $4.25 per gallon at Forest Trail Service Center near Freesoil and $4.27 per gallon at Saddle-up Gas & Grocery in Bear Lake
“Skyrocketing gas prices means less money in our residents’ pockets,” Scripps said. “That means less money they can spend in our local economies and less money they can save for their children’s education. We must take action to prevent the pain at the pump and get our state back on track.”
The 101st District includes Mason, Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties. The Inside Michigan Politics Newsletter lists it as a “toss up” and it is also one of the “Top 10 State House Seats to Watch,” according to the Michigan Information and Research Service.
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