SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6487

As of February 2, 2004

Title: An act relating to providing biodiesel and ethanol fuel mandates.

Brief Description: Providing biodiesel and ethanol fuel mandates.

Sponsors: Senator Mulliken.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Energy & Water: 2/5/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY & WATER

Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background: Biodiesel is a nonpetroleum 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. Blended biodiesel is in use in Washington to fuel some passenger cars and municipal vehicles.

Ethanol is an alcohol fuel made from grain or wood products and can be used as fuel in internal combustion engines.

There are no statewide mandates concerning the use of biodiesel or ethanol fuel.

Summary of Bill: All diesel fuel sold or offered for sale in the state for use in internal combustion engines must contain at least 2 percent biodiesel fuel. The minimum biodiesel fuel content requirement does not apply to fuel used in: (1) motors located at a nuclear power plant unless the nuclear regulatory commission has approved its use; or (2) railroad locomotives.

Beginning July 1, 2006, and until July 1, 2007, at least 35 percent of all gasoline sold by each distributor for use in motor vehicles in the state must contain 10 percent ethanol.

Beginning July 1, 2007, and until July 1, 2008, at least 70 percent of all gasoline sold by each distributor must contain 10 percent ethanol.

After July 1, 2008, at least 85 percent of all gasoline sold by each distributor must contain 10 percent ethanol.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2006.