Last week, under the leadership of House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley, the Ohio General Assembly passed sweeping, bipartisan legislation that included several important reforms, including the elimination of subsidies for electricity generation in Ohio. The Ohio Oil and Gas Association thanks our leaders and elected officials for their dogged efforts on that legislation.

Also last week, The Lima News published a letter by Sherry Regis supporting a new transportation fuel subsidy. This subsidy resides in the pending Ohio state operating budget, House Bill 96. The bill provides $10 million in grants for refueling stations for E15 refueling pumps, which is made with 15% ethanol. OOGA urges legislators to remove the provision from the bill before final passage.

The oil and gas industry has long supported a federal approach that paves the way for nationwide E15 sales. This approach would provide a uniform standard with fewer obstacles. Unfortunately, the state-by-state approach being pursued by the biofuels industry creates fuel supply problems, which has the potential to increase all fuel prices. The administration has encouraged both the oil and gas and biofuel industries to work together on a nationwide E15 program. The oil and gas industry remains committed to this approach.

Imagine the uproar from taxpayers if the oil and gas industry requested $10 million to subsidize the installation of ethanol-free fuel pumps at stations across Ohio. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has more pressing needs inside its budget than subsidizing one industry to the tune of $10 million.

Let the consumer and market dictate transportation fuels. If the consumer wants more E15, then the infrastructure will be built.