Legislature would require use of biodiesel and ethanol by state agencies

OLYMPIA – Aiming to encourage the development and use of renewable fuels, the Legislature has voted to require state agencies to begin using biodiesel in diesel-powered vessels, vehicles and construction equipment.

Senate Bill 6508, passed 27-20 by the Senate and 68-30 by the House of Representatives, now goes back to the Senate for concurrence with amendments that were attached in the House.

“Biofuels are a growing market, and our farmers need to be a part of that,” said Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, the bill’s sponsor. “We can lower fuel costs and create business for Washington state farmers at the same time.”

The bill establishes minimum percentages for biodiesel and denatured ethanol in gasoline sold in Washington and for biodiesel in fuel used for state vehicles, timed to coincide with calendar deadlines or the availability of feedstock and raw materials in Washington. Percentages start as low as 2 percent and will increase as feedstock and in-state crushing capacity rise.

Rasmussen also sponsored legislation that offers incentives to establish processing facilities closer to the crops. “If we can turn the crops into fuel as the site of production, such as in eastern Washington, it will be easier and cheaper to transport and will substantially reduce the cost of the end product – biodiesel and ethanol,” she said.

Biodiesel is a non-petroleum diesel fuel produced from renewable resources such as mustard seed, vegetable oil, animal fat or recycled cooking oil. Ethanol can be produced from feedstocks such as corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, sugarcane and cellulose from straw and trees.

“The technology is there and with the highest of standards, along with the requirement for use in state transportation needs,” Rasmussen said. “We have provided a market and a demand for Washington-grown fuel. It’s a win-win. The consumers and the producers in our state will all benefit.”

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