Title: An act relating to implementing renewable fuel standards.

Brief Description: Requiring agencies to expedite decisions regarding the implementation of renewable fuel standards.

Sponsors: Senators Holmquist, Poulsen, Rasmussen, Pflug, Oemig, Swecker, Clements, Schoesler, Roach, Rockefeller and Kilmer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 2/13/07, 2/23/07 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/13/07, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Poulsen, Chair; Rockefeller, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Fraser, Holmquist, Marr, Morton, Oemig, Pridemore and Regala.

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: In 2006, Washington enacted renewable fuel standards requiring certain fuel licensees to meet minimum biodiesel sale requirements and obligating state agencies to meet minimum biodiesel use requirements. Facilities implementing renewable fuel standards are subject to several permitting requirements.

Summary of Engrossed Bill: State agencies processing applications and decisions implementing renewable fuel standards must do so in a manner designed to minimize processing and review times. Pertinent processing information will be made easily accessible to the public.

These requirements apply to:

• installing new storage tanks and pumps;
• increasing refining and blending capacity;
• adding efficiency improvements for refiners, blenders, or bulk plant operators;
• modifying off- or on-loading racks;
• adding equipment to biodiesel storage tanks or tanks holding blended fuel; and
• replacing under- and above-ground fuel storage tanks, pumps, and large bulk tanks.

The requirements do not apply to biodiesel or ethanol production facilities. The requirements expire on December 31, 2009.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The state needs the "kick start" afforded by this bill to timely implement renewable fuel standards enacted last year. Expedited processing of applications and decisions will improve renewable fuel capacity and efficiency.

OTHER: Requirements in this bill could lead to failure to meet permit deadlines applying to other projects. The Office of Regulatory Assistance already provides assistance in expediting the permitting process.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Kevin Raymond, Washington Biodiesel.

OTHER: Tom Clingman, Department of Ecology; Faith Lumsden, Office of Regulatory Assistance.