Many resources exist for investors, communities, economic developers, and entrepreneurs across the state considering the launch of a biofuel project. Find information here on developing biofuel projects, including step-by-step guides for building production plants and equipping fuel stations; permitting requirements, contacts and resources; tax incentives and funding opportunities, and information on how to prepare your business plan.

Building Plants and Equipping Fuel Stations

Ethanol Plant Development Book, published by BBI International and the Renewable Fuels Association
This book covers the entire process of developing an ethanol plant, including feedstock management, boiler requirements, quality control, project development (site considerations, plant capacity, permits), and product marketing and incentives (ethanol marketing, distillers grain marketing, and carbon dioxide marketing).

American Coalition for Ethanol
This site represents a good source for information on setting up an ethanol distribution center, including guidelines for storing E85, how to convert existing fuel distribution systems, tank cleaning procedures, signage requirements, and what equipment you'll need and the names and locations of some of the major manufacturers and dealers who make and sell it.

Regulations & Permitting for Biodiesel and Ethanol Plants

To produce biofuel in Oklahoma, production facilities must meet state and federal requirements. At the state level, the two permitting agencies are the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry. At the federal level, the two permitting agencies are the U.S. EPA and the IRS.

Permitting contact at the state Department of Agriculture: Joe Privett, joep@oda.state.ok.us, 405-850-8570.

Permitting contact at the state DEQ: Phillip Fielder, 405-702-4180.

Ethanol production facilities consume and discharge large amounts of water, to discuss these water issues, contact Ed Dihrberg, Department of Environmental Quality, 405-702-8184.

Permitting Biodiesel Production Facilities-Fact Sheet

Permitting Ethanol Production Facilities-Fact Sheet

Oklahoma Fuel Alcohol Act

(Note: All biodiesel producers must be members of the National Biodiesel Board before they can receive production approval from the U.S. EPA.)

Funding & Incentives for Biofuel Investors/Entrepreneurs

For more information or to take advantage of these state and federal incentives to start or expand your biofuel project, contact the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Fast Forward Team today. 800-588-5959

You can also click the links below or visit www.OKcommerce.gov/incentives for more detail, application forms, guidelines, and to download the 2010 Oklahoma Business Incentives and Tax Information Guide.

(Note: Although several of the credits, exemptions, and refunds listed here can be used in combination for a single project, some are "either/or." This list gives you options to consider.)

• Quality Jobs or Investment/ New Jobs Tax Credit
• Freeport Inventory Benefits 
• Training for Industry Program
• 5-year Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (manufacturer) 
• Tax Increment Financing 
• Ethanol Fuel Retailer Tax Credit 
• Biodiesel Production Facility Tax Credit 
• Alternate Energy Sources Tax Credit 
• Income Tax Credit for Investment in Oklahoma Producer- Owned Agriculture Processing 
• Agricultural Commodity Processing Facility (owner) Income Tax Exemption 
• Recycling, Reuse and Source Reduction Incentive Ace (qualify as hazardous waste) 
• Small Business Administration Guarantee Fee Tax Credit 
• Tax Credit for Provision of Childcare 
• Construction Materials Sales Tax Refund 
• Manufacturer's Sales Tax Exemption
  • On Machinery & Equipment
  • On Goods Consumed in Manufacturing
  • On Energy Used in Manufacturing

State of Oklahoma Alternative Fuel Incentives pdf document for download;
State of Oklahoma Alternative Fuel Incentives

Good sources for federal incentives, credits, and funding opportunities include the following:

National Biodiesel Board-Tax Credits
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Renewable Fuels Association
U.S. Department of Agriculture Biofuels Program
U.S. Department of Energy-Tax Breaks Section

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