Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology, Energy & Communications Committee |
HB 2545
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. |
Brief Description: Including compressed natural gas in fuel usage requirements for local governments.
Sponsors: Representatives Zeiger, Ladenburg, Dammeier, Seaquist, Angel, Dahlquist, Wilcox, Jinkins, McCune and Kelley.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/12
Staff: Scott Richards (786-7156).
Background:
In 2007, the Legislature enacted alternative fuel usage requirements for state and local governments. These requirements specify that by 2015, all state agencies and local governments, to the extent practicable as determined by the Department of Commerce (Department), must satisfy 100 percent of their fuel needs for all vessels, vehicles, and construction equipment using electricity or biofuel.
In 2009, an interim alternative fuel usage requirement was adopted for state agencies. By June 1, 2015, state agencies, to the extent practicable as determined by the Department, must achieve 40 percent fuel usage from electricity or biofuel for publicly owned vessels, vehicles, and construction equipment. In 2011, legislation was enacted that granted local government subdivisions three additional years to comply with the requirement.
By June 1, 2015, the Department must adopt rules to define practicability and clarify how local government will be evaluated to determine whether they have met associated goals. In developing state and local government compliance rules, Department must at least consider the following factors: (1) the regional availability of fuels; (2) vehicle costs; (3) differences between types of vehicles, vessels, or equipment; (4) the cost of program implementation; and (5) cost differentials in different parts of the state. Also, Department must develop a schedule for phased-in progress towards meeting the goal in that may include different schedules for different fuel applications or different quantities of biofuels.
Summary of Bill:
The alternative fuel usage requirements are modified for local government to include compressed natural gas.
Beginning on June 1, 2018, all local government subdivisions of the state, to the extent determined practicable by the rules adopted by the Department of Commerce, are required to satisfy 100 percent of their fuel usage for operating publicly owned vessels, vehicles, and construction equipment from electricity, compressed natural gas, or biofuel.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.