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I sent this to Matt Pagel in Pat Krietlow's office. It was recieved well and parts are seriously being considered.


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I propose a fuel tax elimination/deduction on the first 1500 gallons of fuel for a family or single business unit with two vehicles and a 950 gallons for a family or single business unit with one vehicle. The tax break is to only be for those producing their own fuel, i.e. biodiesel, ethanol, straight vegetable/plant oils, or hydrogen. (yes it is possible to use all of these as fuels)
Fuel tax is to be paid on amounts used beyond these limits.

Quantity Calculation: 1 vehicle @ 19.4MPG, 35 mile one-way commute, 5 day/week, 52 weeks. = 938 gallons. Multiply by 1.6 for second higher mileage vehicle. = 1500 gallons note: this calculation does not include the extra travel trips, weekends, etc.

The amount of people taking advantage of this I believe will not make a significant dent in the state coffers. It will though allow many people to not feel as though they are doing something illegal. It will also spur innovation. Many technological leaps in everyday industrial uses have come from people working in garages and barns.

In addition the state could take the carbon credits for every vehicle claimed. When it happens.

Outside of the metro areas of the state. Milwaukee, Madison, LaCrosse, Eau Claire, Superior, Fox Valley, Green Bay, etc, those most likely to use these fuels are those who want or need to reduce their expenses. They may not necessarily be "green". Farmers, Rural factory workers, anyone with larger commutes.
Undertaking the effort to make your own fuel is WORK and one must give up other freedoms to do it.

There is also no need for ANY industry to lobby for stronger regulations in OSHA, NFPA, NEC, UBC, or DOT. There are enough regulations, laws and codes governing the safe storage, production, and transport. Please create a restrictive guideline that if there is preponderance of evidence that shows that an individual has made reasonable efforts to follow the above codes and regulations that insurance policies can't be cancelled and fines issued by the state.


Other Points to consider (remember people who do these things spend considerable personal time and expense to do it these deductions are only a small fraction of the cost to complete the project)

One time deduction of $500 to set up a vegetable/plant oil processor for straight vegi/plant oil to be used as fuel the first year it is operational.

One time deduction of $250 to convert a diesel vehicle to use straight vegetable/plant oils as fuel for the first year the system is operational.

One time deduction of $500 to set up a biodiesel processor, hydrogen processor, or ethanol processor. (Old fashioned stills; ATF requires the use of denaturing chemicals in the alcohol.) The first year it is operational.

One time deduction of $3000 to convert a standard Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a small horsepower (13 or less) Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) for the first year it is operational. Factory HEV and EV do not qualify under this. (average cost of conversions $6000 to $15000, personal satisfaction and technological benefit to society priceless.)

One time deduction of $500 to install and electric assist motor to an existing ICE vehicle with no other modifications, i.e. straight vegi/plant oil conversions, flex fuel, etc. For the first year it is operational.

One time deduction of $750 to make a gasoline ICE vehicle a flex fuel vehicle using propane. For the first year the system is operational. Factory built vehicle would not qualify under this.


Thank you Matt


Carl S
Eau Claire, WI

..... UBC ..... hammers, square, chisel, and 25lb bags!
'86 f-250 with 169K miles! SWEET
Soon to be WVO. and Co-op'd BD for heating house. Best use of Quantity and $$$