CyRide will be buying biodiesel in a couple of weeks after the Government of the Student Body approved a bill Wednesday.

The Government of the Student Body voted 21-9 to adopt a resolution earmarking $4,000 to help CyRide begin a program to utilize soybean-based biodiesel additives, which burn cleanly and cost only four cents per gallon.

The bill, authored by Drew Miller, gives the power to distribute the money to the office of the president and allows for changes in the future based on the success of the program.

“I’m glad it passed,” said Miller, off-campus senator. “This is something that is good for students, good for Ames and good for Iowa.”

Bob Bourne, director of CyRide, said CyRide will be buying the fuel in a couple of weeks.

“I think the senate made a good decision and it was a really good debate,” Bourne said.

However, the bill met resistance in the senate because of the $2.5 million already given to CyRide from GSB funds, as well as what detractors called a lack of clear planning in the bill.

“Director Bourne clearly stated that CyRide was planning on buying biodiesel fuel. We essentially gave $4,000 in student money they don’t need,” said GSB Vice Speaker of the Senate William Rock. “It’s a great idea, but I don’t think we should be giving money for the sake of giving money.”

Tony Luken, GSB speaker of the senate, said the bill was “politically timed.”

“Students pay enough for CyRide. Biodiesel, while it may be a good idea in theory, is no reason for us to pick up a dime,” Luken said.

The Government of Student Body also voted 32-0-1 on a bill to add a line-item to student fees that will more fully fund the Financial Counseling Clinic.

The clinic currently receives $23,076.48 in GSB allocations.

“I think the unanimous vote is an indication of the value students feel this service provides,” said Mark Oleson, director of the Financial Counseling Clinic. “Iowa State is unique in the services it provides, and the support from its students for those services is unprecedented.”

The bill will be sent to the Student Fees Committee. From there, it must be approved by ISU President Gregory Geoffroy and finally by the Board of Regents. If the bill is passed through each stage, students will see a $1 increase in their fees by fall of 2005.

GSB President Mike Banasiak applauded the senate’s decision to provide funding for the clinic.

“I think they provide an absolutely wonderful service to the Iowa State community, and I wish they were able to get even more support from other areas,” he said. “We want the financial clinic to have the staff and resources needed in order to provide these essential services to students.”