Brief Description: Requiring agencies to expedite decisions regarding the implementation of renewable fuel standards.

Sponsors: Senators Holmquist, Poulsen, Rasmussen, Pflug, Oemig, Swecker, Clements, Schoesler, Roach, Rockefeller and Kilmer.

Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications
House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications

Background: In 2006, Washington enacted renewable fuel standards requiring certain fuel licensees to meet minimum biodiesel sale requirements and obligating state agencies to meet minimum biodiesel use requirements. Facilities implementing renewable fuel standards are subject to several permitting requirements.

Summary: State agencies processing applications and decisions implementing renewable fuel standards must do so in a manner designed to minimize processing and review times. Pertinent information must be made easily accessible to the public.

These requirements apply to:

• installing new storage tanks and pumps;
• increasing refining and blending capacity;
• adding efficiency improvements for refiners, blenders, or bulk plant operators;
• modifying off- or on-loading racks;
• adding equipment to biodiesel storage tanks or tanks holding blended fuel; and
• replacing under- and above-ground fuel storage tanks, pumps, and large bulk tanks.

The requirements do not apply to biodiesel or ethanol production facilities. The requirements expire on December 31, 2009.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      47   0
House      96   0   (House amended)
Senate      46   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective:   July 22, 2007