SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1010

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Chase and Moeller).

Background: Renewable fuel standards enacted in 2006 require that at least 2 percent of diesel fuel annually sold in Washington be biodiesel fuel. "Biodiesel fuel" is defined as certain esters derived from plant or animal matter that meet requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and standards established by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The definition does not encompass “renewable diesel,” which are any of several petroleum diesel fuel substitutes produced from renewable feedstock that are not esters. It is suggested that this fuel has similar qualities to (and certain advantages over) biodiesel as defined in current law, and that it should be authorized to meet renewable fuel requirements.

Summary of Bill: Sale of renewable diesel meets state renewable fuel requirements. Renewable diesel is defined as a diesel fuel substitute produced from nonpetroleum renewable sources, including vegetable oils and animal fats, that meets registration requirements for fuels and fuel additives established by the EPA in federal regulations and meets requirements in an ASTM standard.

The EPA regulations require that manufacturers or importers provide chemical descriptions of their products and certain technical, marketing, and health-effects information. The ASTM standard sets diesel fuel grade requirements.