SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2515
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 Senate Committee On:
Environment, Water & Energy, February 19, 2010
Title: An act relating to biodiesel fuel labeling requirements.
Brief Description: Regarding biodiesel fuel labeling requirements.
Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Chase, Kenney and Hudgins).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/10, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 2/17/10, 2/19/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Honeyford, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Fraser, Holmquist, Marr, Morton, Oemig and Ranker.
Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)
Background: The Washington State Department of Agriculture sets fuel quality standards and labeling requirements for biodiesel and ethanol. Fuel pumps offering ethanol or biodiesel blends must be labeled to indicate the percentage of biodiesel or ethanol in the fuel.
It is suggested that labels on pumps dispensing lower blends of biodiesel should indicate a maximum percentage of biodiesel in the fuel, rather than an exact percentage, to reflect occasional uncertainty regarding the exact percentage. In Oregon, pumps dispensing blends of 5 percent biodiesel or less are labeled "5 percent or less biodiesel blend."
Summary of Bill: Fuel pumps offering a blend of 5 percent biodiesel or less must be labeled to indicate that the fuel "may contain up to 5 percent biodiesel." Labels for biodiesel blends above 5 percent must state the percentage of biodiesel being offered.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill addresses a concern regarding the effect of mixing biodiesel blends with small amounts of residual fuel in storage tanks, thus changing blend percentages. The margin of error accommodated in this legislation is the industry standard. This legislation will conform Washington labeling with standards in other states.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Morris, prime sponsor; Kirk Robinson, Washington State Department of Agriculture.