HB 1243-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Directs the superintendent of public instruction to conduct a pilot project on the use of biodiesel with ultra low sulfur diesel in school buses powered by compression-ignition engines. The pilot project must begin in September of 2003.

Provides that: (1) The superintendent of public instruction shall select two school districts to participate in the project. School districts located in a geographic area listed by the environmental protection agency as an area of concern for pollution emissions must receive first consideration for the project.

(2) The pilot project shall meet the following requirements: (a) During the 2003 school year, at least one of the participating school districts shall have at least twenty-five percent of the school bus fleet, or a total of not less than ten buses, fueled with ultra low sulfur diesel. Emissions testing must be conducted before using ultra low sulfur diesel, and again after ultra low sulfur diesel has been in use for at least six months. (b) During the 2004 school year, not less than seventy percent, or a total of not less than seven, of the buses fueled with ultra low sulfur diesel during the 2003 school year must be fueled with a blend of eighty percent ultra low sulfur diesel, by volume, and twenty percent biodiesel, by volume. Emissions testing must be conducted not less than six months after adding biodiesel to the ultra low sulfur diesel. (c) A maximum of one of the participating school districts may, for the duration of the project, use a blend of twenty percent biodiesel, by volume, with eighty percent highway diesel, by volume, in at least seventy-five percent of the school bus fleet, or a total of not less than ten buses. Emissions testing must be conducted before use of the biodiesel blend, again not less than six months after the biodiesel blend has been is use, and again at the conclusion of the project. (d) Issues related to the maintenance, including but not limited to fuel economy, changes in fuel filters, and other maintenance issues related to the use of ultra low sulfur diesel and biodiesel must be recorded.

Requires the superintendent of public instruction to submit a report of findings to the legislature by September 1, 2005.

Declares an intent that implementation of this pilot project will not produce a significant financial burden on participating school districts or the state. The legislature calls upon the superintendent of public instruction, the office of community, trade, and economic development, and the department of ecology to explore alternative means of funding this pilot project including the use of state or federal grants but excluding the use of money from the state general fund.