A bill requiring a 10 percent ethanol blend in Missouri gasoline by 2008 passed the General Assembly Thursday, setting in motion an aggressive plan to increase production of the alternative fuel.

“This important legislation will benefit our farm families, provide a lasting boost to our state’s economy (and) improve our air quality,” said Gov. Matt Blunt, who has championed the E-10 standard since taking office, in a news release.

Supporters of the ethanol standard say it could improve the environment and infuse dollars into the economy through increased corn production.