FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2006

CONTACT: Becky Grisham, Missouri Corn Growers Association, (573) 893-4181

HOUSE PASSES STATEWIDE ETHANOL STANDARD
Corn Growers Urge Swift Passage in Senate

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)—The Missouri House of Representatives passed HB 1270 & 1027, the statewide ethanol standard, late in the day yesterday by voice vote. The bill, known as the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard (MoRFS) and supported by the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA), will increase ethanol use, boost the local economy, improve air quality and help reduce dependence on foreign oil.

As amended on the House floor, the MoRFS would require gasoline sold in Missouri contain 10 percent ethanol when the price of ethanol is the same or lower than regular unleaded gasoline. The bipartisan legislation was championed by Rep. Bob Behnen (R-Kirksville) with amendments offered by Rep. Peter Myers (R-Sikeston) and Rep. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown).

"The passage of this legislation through the House clearly highlights the desire of consumers to place the future of our energy security in the hands of Missouri farmers," says MCGA CEO Gary Marshall. "This innovative statewide ethanol standard will help position our state as a leader in renewable fuels and offer a 'Missouri model' for other states to follow."

The MoRFS will:

• establish an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2008;
• require marketers to use ethanol blends whenever price competitive with gasoline;
• prevent major oil companies from blocking marketers from blending ethanol;
• allow tracking and compliance to be easily monitored by the Departments of Revenue and Agriculture;
• provide exemptions for aviation fuel, premium gasoline, bulk transfers between terminals, as well as any specific exemptions declared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and air quality waivers issued by the governor;
• require infrastructure to be built in the few areas not already prepared to use ethanol;
• help ensure a lower price for wholesalers which marketers should be able to pass along to consumers.

Missouri currently has three ethanol plants in production, two under construction and several others on the drawing board. MCGA expects ethanol production in the state to reach at least 350 million gallons by 2008, easily surpassing the 280 million gallon market that would be created by the MoRFS. According to a recent University of Missouri study, this increased industry growth would inject an estimated $726 million into the state's economy, create 5,613 Missouri jobs and utilize 124 million bushels of corn each year.

"We applaud Missouri legislators for crafting a bill that provides a price safeguard for consumers while securing a strong foothold for ethanol in tomorrow's marketplace," says Terry Hilgedick, farmer from Hartsburg, Mo., and MCGA president. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of ethanol supporters, this legislation guarantees a consumer-friendly, market driven standard that benefits the economy and the environment as well as farmers and consumers."

The bill will now be referred to the Senate for action. When passed, Missouri would become the fifth state in the nation to have a statewide ethanol standard. Last week, Washington earned the honor of being the fourth state to sign a renewable fuel standard into law, joining Minnesota, Montana and Hawaii.

To learn more about ethanol or the Missouri Corn Growers Association, visit Missouri Corn Online at http://www.mocorn.org or call 1-800-827-4181.