SENATE 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 Passed Senate, February 7, 2018

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: Energy, Environment & Technology: 1/30/18, 1/31/18 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed Senate: 2/07/18, 48-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Office of Clean Technology at Washington State University to reestablish the Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Workgroup (workgroup).

  • Provides that the workgroup expires December 31, 2023.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TECHNOLOGY

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Carlyle, Chair; Palumbo, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Member; Brown, Hawkins, Hobbs, McCoy, Ranker, Sheldon and Wellman.

Staff: Angela Kleis (786-7469)

Background: Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN). SAFN is a broad-based stakeholder group, including Alaska Airlines; the Boeing Company; the Ports of Seattle, Portland, and Spokane; and WSU, created to develop sustainable and economically sustainable aviation biofuels in the Northwest. In May 2011, SAFN released a report that concluded, among other things, that the Northwest offers significant assets to meet a portion of jet fuel demands from sustainable regional feedstocks.

Workgroup. The Legislature established the workgroup in 2012. The workgroup included representatives from the Legislature, the aviation industry, state agencies, public interest groups, ports, national laboratories, and the biofuels industry. The purpose of the workgroup was to:

The workgroup expired July 1, 2017.

Summary of Bill: The Office of Clean Technology at WSU must reestablish the workgroup. The workgroup expires December 31, 2023.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 31, 2018.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: Yes.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The workgroup is a successful forum for the aviation sector to maintain progress in Washington and making aviation biofuels a reality. We are at critical point in the process to decarbonize the aviation industry. It is important to lay the groundwork in Washington to meet the reductions, reduce greenhouse emissions, and provide required customer service. Aviation biofuels can play a key role in the future of our environment, but it is also a driver for economic benefits and jobs. Biofuel is an inherently local business, especially in rural areas. Washington is on the map of developing interests largely because of the work of this workgroup and action at the Port of Seattle. The workgroup allows the avenue for the industry, government, and universities to gather sensible solutions for our state and to keep Washington on the cutting edge of aviation biofuels development.

OTHER: Generally, we are supportive of the bill. However, we would like to see the membership broadened to include more representatives from the private sector.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Mike Wolcott, Washington State University; Eric Ffitch, Port of Seattle. OTHER: Mike Ennis, Association of Washington Business; Robert Hodgman, Aviation Division, Washington State Department of Transportation.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.