Brief Description: Establishing requirements for the use of biodiesel by state agencies.

Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Crouse, Wood, Morris, Grant, Schoesler, Quall, Ruderman and Mielke.

Hearing Date: 1/29/03

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7166).

Background:

Biodiesel is a non-petroleum diesel fuel produced from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oils. It can be blended at any percentage with petroleum diesel or used as a pure product (neat diesel). Other states have adopted policies and incentives to encourage the use of biodiesel.

Blended biodiesel is in use in Washington state to fuel some passenger cars and municipal vehicles

Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is a specially refined diesel fuel that has lower sulfur content than regular on-highway diesel. The sulfur content ranges from 15 to 30 parts per million. Regular diesel has a maximum of 500 parts per million of sulfur.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring that all on-highway diesel fuel must meet the ultra-low sulfur diesel standards in 2006.

Summary of Bill:

All state agencies are encouraged to use a blend of 20 percent biodiesel (B20) with petroleum diesel for diesel fuel vehicles.

By June 1, 2006, in complying with the federal standard for diesel fuels, state agencies must use biodiesel as an additive to utlra-low sulfur diesel in an amount not less than 2 percent biodiesel.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

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