HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6563
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Technology & Economic Development
Title: An act relating to reestablishing the sustainable aviation biofuels work group.
Brief Description: Reestablishing the sustainable aviation biofuels work group.
Sponsors: Senators Billig, Carlyle and Palumbo.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Technology & Economic Development: 2/15/18, 2/22/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Morris, Chair; Tarleton, Vice Chair; Fey, Harmsworth, Hudgins, Manweller, Nealey, Santos, Slatter, Steele and Wylie.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Young.
Staff: Nikkole Hughes (786-7156).
Background:
Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN) collaborative was created by regional aviation stakeholders, including Washington State University, to develop sustainable and economically viable aviation biofuels in the Northwest. The SAFN collaborative published a regional aviation biofuels report in 2011 that examined the feasibility, challenges, and opportunities for creating a commercially viable aviation biofuels industry in the Northwest. The report included an assessment of the possible feedstock pathways for producing aviation biofuels and evaluated the cost, timescale, and infrastructure needs associated with those pathways.
Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Work Group.
The Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Work Group (Work Group) was initially convened under the umbrella of Innovate Washington in 2012. The purpose of the Work Group was to, among other objectives, further the development of sustainable aviation fuel as a productive industry in Washington, using as a foundation the regional assessment prepared by the SAFN collaborative.
Responsibility for convening the Work Group was transferred to the Office of Alternative Energy at Washington State University in 2014. The Work Group conducted two meetings in 2015 and 2016, before terminating on June 30, 2017.
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Summary of Bill:
Washington State University's authority to convene the Work Group is renewed. The membership of the Work Group shall consist of the following:
a member from the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;
a member from the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and
stakeholder representatives involved in sustainable aviation biofuels research, development, production, and utilization, as designated by the Washington State University Office of Clean Technology.
The Work Group shall choose its chair from among its membership. The purpose of the Work Group is to:
further the development of sustainable aviation fuel as a production industry in Washington;
facilitate communication and coordination among aviation biofuels stakeholders;
provide a forum for discussion and problem solving regarding potential and current barriers related to technology development, production, distribution, supply chain development, and commercialization of aviation biofuels; and
provide recommendations to the Legislature on potential legislation that will facilitate the technology development, production, distribution, and commercialization of aviation biofuels.
The Work Group shall meet twice a year. The Work Group must provide an update of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1 of each odd year through 2023.
The authority for convening the Work Group expires December 31, 2023.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Sustainable aviation biofuels is important to the military and the future of aviation. Washington is a leader in the development of sustainable aviation biofuels. Washington State University leads an aviation biofuels consortium with other research institutions with the goal of continuing advances in research in this field. This bill would establish a next step in a broad conversation among relevant stakeholders that started when the Work Group was first established five years ago.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Billig, prime sponsor; Chris Mulick, Washington State University; and Eric Ffitch, Port of Seattle.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.