FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSB 5709

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.

Background: Densified Biomass. According to the Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program, densified biomass is a sold biofuel pellet made of compressed sawdust and chipped wood that has a consistent quality, low moisture content, high energy density, and homogenous size and shape. Densification increases the energy density of biomass by approximately 10 to 15 percent, so more heat is produced per unit of pellets burned than if the same amount of raw wood was burned.

WSU Report. The 2012 supplemental operating budget required WSU to study densified biomass as a renewable fuel for heating homes, businesses, and other facilities in the state. WSU issued an early report in December 2012 that assessed the opportunities and challenges of developing a densified biomass industry in Washington. WSU expects to issue a more comprehensive report in early 2013.

The December 2012 report cites several opportunities for densified biomass fuel, such as environmental advantages over traditional fossil fuels, restoring healthy forests after pine beetle destruction, reducing the volumes of landfills, providing a less expensive alternative to heating homes in remote areas, and providing a valuable export commodity. The report also cites several challenges facing densified biomass, such as reduced fossil fuel prices, enhanced energy efficiency technologies, competition for biomass feedstock, and price volatility in the wood pellet marketplace.

Biomass Heating in Public Schools. In 2009, the Quillayute Valley School District received a $1 million grant from the Energy Freedom Fund to purchase and install a wood-chip fired boiler for steam heat at Forks Middle and High School. The facility became operational in October 2010.

Summary: Creating a Densified Biomass Pilot Program and Requiring a Report. Subject to receiving federal and private funds for this purpose, by December 1, 2013, WSU must develop and initiate a pilot program to demonstrate the feasibility of using densified biomass to heat public schools. The pilot program must replace the current heating systems in two public schools with heating systems that use densified biomass as a fuel. One school must be in western Washington and the other school must be in an eastern Washington county that shares an international border or that borders the state of Idaho. WSU must measure and evaluate the heating systems, including a cost comparison with other conventional fuels and emission measurements.

WSU must use the following criteria when choosing one of the schools for the pilot program: (1) the school's proximity to a currently operating densified biomass manufacturing facility; (2) the age and condition of the school's current heating system; and (3) the school's design is of a nature that most resembles other schools of its class.

In designing the pilot program, WSU must seek to leverage other existing private and federal funding programs and resources. It may also contract with other entities for assistance in implementing the pilot program.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction must notify all school districts about the pilot project and their opportunity to participate.

Findings. The Legislature finds, among other things, that clean-burning, renewable densified biomass leads the country to energy independence, stimulates the economy, reduces carbon emissions, promotes healthy forests, and is complimentary to other biofuel industries.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	46
House	96	(House amended)
Senate	48	(Senate concurred)