Columbus – The Ohio Senate voted 30-0 to approve SB 131, a bill co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard) and Senator Karen Gillmor (R-Tiffin) that encourages the use of bio-based products. SB 131 would require the Director of Administrative Services (DAS) to establish a program that ensures supplies composed of bio-based products are purchased by DAS, state colleges and universities and other state agencies when costs are comparable to non bio-based products.
“This legislation is important because Ohio has the ability to be a leader and innovator in bio-based products,” said Senator Cafaro. “We have the opportunity to promote agriculture, revitalize Ohio’s industrial base and take advantage of our outstanding research institutions by producing bio-based products that are truly home grown.”
To view floor speech on SB 131, click here.
Bio-based alternatives utilize renewable resources like corn and soybeans for products that range from lip balm to copy machine toner. SB 131 is similar to a national program that gives purchasing preference to bio-based products at federal agencies.