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Shortly after the Ohio House returned from summer recess, lawmakers unanimously approved a bill that aims to boost biofuel use in the state.

House Bill 245 would establish an infrastructure in Ohio for the use of biofuels such as corn and soy biodiesel. Rep. Steve Reinhard, R-Bucyrus, sponsored the bill, which he described as being environmentally friendly.

The bill would decrease the state’s dependence on foreign oil, reduce air emissions and strengthen the bottom line for Ohio’s farmers.

Among the bill's provisions:

• At least half of all motor vehicles purchased by state agencies must be capable of using alternative fuels.

• City, local or exempted village school districts that purchase biodiesel for the operation of school buses could receive a subsidy from the Ohio Department of Education.

• Tax credits would be created for gas stations to sell ethanol-blended gasoline and install ethanol fuel pumps or conversion of existing pumps.

It's uncertain when the Senate will take up the bill, said Rocky Black, OFBF's director of legislative affairs.