TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Wayne R. Bryant that would appropriate $1 million in federal funding for the development of the region’s first ethanol plant was approved today in the Senate.
“With gasoline prices steadily increasing, it’s time that we work to decrease our dependence on foreign oil,” said Senator Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester. “By using existing resources to fill the current need for gasoline, we can save money for taxpayers and the state.”
Senator Bryant’s bill, S-2313, would appropriate $1 million in federal funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to be used for the Garden State Ethanol project. The project would include the construction of the Mid-Atlantic region’s first ethanol plant, to be located in West Deptford.
Ethanol, a fuel produced from fermenting crops, including corn, wheat and other grains, can be used to stretch gasoline. It is considered a renewable fuel because it is made from crops. The need for ethanol is expected to increase production of corn from local farmers, which would benefit the region’s economy.
“In this situation, everyone wins. Drivers can save money on gasoline, farmers will have increased demand for crops and New Jersey can remain in the forefront of technology,” said Senator Bryant.
The measure unanimously passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on February 7.
It now heads to the Assembly for committee consideration.