HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2007
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, Energy & Communications
Title: An act relating to defining allowable fuel blends.
Brief Description: Defining allowable fuel blends.
Sponsors: Representatives Eddy and Crouse.
Brief History:
Technology, Energy & Communications: 2/13/07 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives McCoy, Vice Chair; Crouse, Ranking Minority Member; McCune, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eddy, Ericksen, Hankins, Hudgins, Hurst, Takko and VanDeWege.
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).
Background:
Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is a chemical compound used primarily as a gasoline
additive. It is one of a group of chemicals commonly known as "oxygenates" because the
chemicals raise the oxygen content of gasoline. At room temperature, MTBE is a volatile,
flammable and colorless liquid that dissolves rather easily in water.
In 2002, the Legislature passed a law regulating the use of MTBE in gasoline. The law has
two parts: (1) it bans the intentional addition of MTBE to gasoline, motor fuel, or clean fuel
for use in Washington; and (2) it bans knowingly mixing of MTBE in gasoline above 0.6
percent by volume.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The allowable amount of MTBE to be knowingly mixed with gasoline is changed from 0.6
percent by volume to 0.15 percent by volume.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The provisions in the original bill that establish restrictions on the sale of gasoline blended
with certain oxygenates are removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is a feel good bill. It reduces Washington's acceptance of a polluting
element in gasoline to the same level allowed in Oregon and California. I hope this is the
most simple bill before the Legislature this session. It has been stripped down to changing
only two or three words in the statute. We are lowering the de minimus standard due to
improvements that have occurred in technology. This lines up with our neighboring states.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Eddy, prime sponsor: and Bill Kid, BP North America, Inc.