Biofuel facilities to receive state aid

The Georgia Senate has approved a tax break to boost the state's fledging alternative fuel industry. Sen. Bill Heath (R-Bremen) says the break will help reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil while providing relief to some state employers.

"By encouraging investment in alternative fuel production'" Heath says, "We'll provide good-paying jobs for Georgians and we'll give new life to our struggling forestry industry."

Under the bill, builders of ethanol, butanol, and bio diesel plants could buy construction materials tax-free until 2012. The House already passed the bill, but must confirm some minor changes the Senate made.