54-1-136 - Biofuels and the implementation of incentives to encourage the production of biofuels. - Tennessee Statutes

54-1-136. Biofuels and the implementation of incentives to encourage the production of biofuels.

(a)  The department of transportation is authorized to undertake public-private partnerships with transportation fuel providers, including, but not limited to, farmer co-ops, to install a network of refueling facilities, including storage tanks and fuel pumps, dedicated to dispensing biofuels, including, but not limited to, ethanol (E85) and biodiesel (B20).

(b)  To accomplish the purposes of this section, the department may establish a grant program to render financial assistance to help pay the capital costs of purchasing, preparing, and installing fuel storage tanks and fuel pumps for biofuels at private sector fuel stations. The department may apply for, and make reasonable efforts to secure, federal assistance and other funding sources for the grant program. The department may attempt to maximize the total investment in biofuel refueling facilities.

(c)  For the purpose of establishing biofuel storage tanks and fuel pumps at private sector fuel stations, the department shall use any federally-appropriated funds or the general assembly may appropriate the funds to the department from sources other than the state highway fund.

(d)  (1)  The Tennessee department of agriculture shall have the authority to inspect and test biofuels under the Kerosene and Motor Fuels Quality Inspection Act of 1989, compiled in title 47, chapter 18, part 13.

     (2)  The department of agriculture is authorized to develop and implement an alternative fuel research program to stimulate public and private research into both the technology of converting Tennessee agriculture products, including, but not limited to, soybeans, switchgrass and other biomass, into alternative fuels and the production capabilities needed to deliver alternative fuels to Tennessee consumers.

(e)  No expenditure of public funds, pursuant to this section, shall be made in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as codified in 42 U.S.C. § 2000d.

(f)  The department may also develop and implement a program to encourage all political subdivisions of the state and public colleges and universities to increase the number of vehicles that use alternative fuels in the fleets of all political subdivisions, colleges, or universities.

[Acts 2005, ch. 370, §§ 1–5; 2007, ch. 456, § 1.]