Missouri Governor Matt Blunt is signing the state’s new ethanol bill several times over this week. The governor is visiting with corn growers from the southeast to the northwest part of the state for ceremonial bill signings, mostly in areas where ethanol plants are planned or in operation. The legislation requires gasoline sold in Missouri to contain 10 percent ethanol (E-10) by 2008.

“I am pleased to sign this bill giving Missourians access to the affordable, homegrown gasoline they want and that they can be proud to use when they fill their tanks,” Blunt said. “This renewable fuel standard benefits consumers, our economy, the environment, and Missouri farmers.”

Blunt signed the bill in Webb City, St. Joseph, Kirksville, Palmyra, and St. Louis on Wednesday, and will be in Laddonia, Macon and Malta Bend on Thursday.

In the photo by Ron Graber of the Carthage Press, Kayla Garrison of the Carthage FFA receives a copy of the new ethanol bill from Governor Blunt during Wednesday’s signing ceremony in Webb City.