Blunt establishes 10% ethanol standard

House Bill 1270 establishes the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard Act, which supporters say will lead to many economic and environmental benefits.

Blunt conducted a bill signing ceremony this morning at the Larson farm north of Joplin in western Jasper County. The governor also planned to sign the bill in St. Joseph, Kirksville, Palmyra and St. Louis today and Laddonia, Macon and Malta Bend on Thursday.

Blunt said the legislation will aid in the economic development of rural Missouri.

“It benefits everybody, as far as I’m concerned,” said John Larson, who has lived on his farm for 54 years.

According to the Missouri Corn Growers Association, ethanol is a clean-burning, renewable fuel made from fermented agricultural products such as corn. Three plants in Missouri already produce ethanol, and a fourth is under construction.

A group in Barton County is developing plans for a $40 million to $50 million plant. Additionally, James “Jimmer” Pinjuv, the developer of the 2,064-acre Wildwood Ranch west of Joplin, said Wednesday that he is awaiting the results of a feasibility study regarding his planned $50 million to $60 million ethanol plant that would produce at least 100 million gallons a year.

The legislation is an important step toward reducing the country’s dependency on foreign oil, Blunt said.

“It means Missouri corn fields will be the oil fields of the 21st century, contributing $348 million annually in value-added income to Missouri’s economy and generating $726 million annually in economic activity,” Blunt said.