Biogas.
Biogas refers to the gasses produced from the anaerobic decomposition of organic material in landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, and anaerobic digesters. Biogas is comprised primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. The methane from biogas can be purified to make renewable natural gas, which consists primarily of the methane from biogas, and is considered a renewable resource.
Public Utility Districts.
Public utility districts are engaged in the provision of energy, water, sewer, and solid waste services.
Public utility districts may produce renewable natural gas, green electrolytic hydrogen, and renewable hydrogen, and may use these materials for internal operations. Public utility districts may also sell renewable natural gas, green electrolytic hydrogen, or renewable hydrogen at wholesale or to an end-use customer, with specifications.
Biogenic Carbon Dioxide.
Public utility districts may sell biogenic carbon dioxide and other marketable coproducts from the processing of biogas to an end-use customer or at wholesale.
Biogenic carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide produced from: (1) biogas; (2) the decomposition or processing of biomass; or (3) a byproduct from biological processes in an industrial or manufacturing facility. Biogenic carbon dioxide is not carbon dioxide produced from the combustion or processing of fossil fuels.
(In support) This is a simple bill; it authorizes public utility districts (PUDs) to sell biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) and other biogases. It is a good environmental bill, it is good for PUDs, and it is good for the state. Klickitat PUD has the right to the landfill gas at the Republic landfill in Klickitat county. The PUD has spent millions to collect this gas, which consists of about 52 percent methane, 38 percent CO2, and some nitrogen. A couple of years ago the Legislature authorized PUDs to produce and sell renewable natural gas, which is from the methane. They sell the cleaned methane as part of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, to markets in California and Washington and elsewhere, but they exhaust the rest of the CO2. There is significant interest from others to purchase that CO2, which can be used in making sustainable aviation fuel, in food processing, in the manufacturing processes in feedstock, and is being used in a pilot project with Tide detergent and BMW?there are lots of fascinating uses for it. It would take millions of dollars to clean this CO2 to market grade and to food grade, so the PUD would like clear authority before they make an investment. This bill is the start of this policy conversation around capturing CO2. It sets precedent for non-fossil-based sources of CO2. There will likely be more policy bills and technologies around this that this committee will likely see next session and in the future.
(Opposed) None.
Senator Curtis King, prime sponsor; and Dave Warren, Klickitat Public Utility District.