S-1938               _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 5992

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Senators Benitz, Williams and Barr

Read first time 2/21/89 and referred to Committee on  Energy & Utilities.

AN ACT Relating to information about availability of alternative fuels; adding new sections to chapter 15.04 RCW; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that a clean environment is important to the health and economy of this state and that global warming effects may be offset by decreasing the emissions of harmful compounds from motor vehicles.

          The legislature further finds that the increasing use of fossil fuels in transportation is detrimental to our national security due to increased reliance on foreign oil supplies.  Increased reliance on foreign oil supplies is the largest factor contributing to the national negative trade balance and may contribute to instability in the Middle East.

          The legislature finds that educational efforts to inform agricultural, environmental, and transportation interests of the benefits and availability of ethanol and methanol fuels can improve the environment and the economic future of the nation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The department shall inventory and maintain a list of wholesale and retail outlets that sell ethanol and methanol.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The department shall develop an informational guide for distribution to agricultural, environmental, and transportation interests describing the benefits and availability of ethanol and methanol fuels.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     Sections 1 through 3 of this act are each added to chapter 15.04 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     The sum of five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, from the general fund to the department of agriculture for the development, printing, and distribution of the informational guide under section 3 of this act.