Governor Ted Kulongoski kicked off "Energy Independence Month" on Tuesday by signing a new biofuel bill into law. Lawmakers are touting the bill as one of the most ambitious in the nation when it comes to renewable energy production.

Governor Kulongoski says this day marks a victory for those working on sustainable energy policies in our state. Lawmakers failed to pass a similar bill during the 2005 legislative session. But politicians this session showed strong bi-partisan support for House bill 22-10.

The governor elected to sign the new bill into law at the Sequential Biofuels Station just southeast of Eugene. He says the station represents what lawmakers have fought for and achieved.

The Biofuels Fill is designed to encourage renewable energy production and consumption in Oregon. Some of the new changes include renewable fuel standard requirements, such as a 10% blend of ethanol to gasoline.

The governor says this new bill will do for the fuel sector what Senate Bill 838 will do for the electricity sector. That bill requires the state's largest utilities to meet 25% of their electric load with new renewable energy sources by 2025. "which together comprise the most significant environmental legislative policy in Oregon in more than 30 years," declared the Governor.

Meanwhile, Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy said, "We share with you the belief that this ship can benefit our economy, provide good jobs, and reduce carbon emissions."

The new law also establishes tax credits for Oregon agriculture and forestry producers, and encourages use of biofuels in state fleet vehicles. And it give consumers a tax credit who fuel their vehicles with renewable energy blends of gasoline.