The 'Clean Green Bio Machine' Promotes Biofuels Legislation at the State Capitol
2003

The 'Clean Green Bio Machine' is a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle powered by a turbo diesel engine and fueled with 100% biodiesel. The vehicle is part of the Spokane County Conservation District's (SCCD) On-Farm Energy Production Program, used to increase awareness of biodiesel and its positive impacts on the environment, public health and economic develop.

The 'Bio Bug' was brought to the Capitol Campus to help promote biodiesel and raise the awareness of several bills before the legislature designed to increase the market for biodiesel, ethanol and other alternative fuels and vehicles.  Of particular interest to the District are House Bills 1240 through 1243, which are aimed at promoting in-state production of biodiesel and ethanol, increasing distribution and local availability of the fuels, lowering fuel costs, and increasing demand.  The package of incentives was passed by the State Legislature during the 2003 Legislative Session and signed by Governor Gary Locke.  Details

House Bill 1240 provides tax incentives for production of biodiesel and ethanol fuels in Washington State.
House Bill 1241 provides incentives for the distribution and retail sale of biodiesel and ethanol fuels.
House Bill 1242 promotes the use of biodiesel in the state's fleet of diesel vehicles and equipment.
House Bill 1243 establishes a pilot project using biodiesel in school buses in communities with poor air quality.
Details on the state incentives for biofuels

Biodiesel is a clean-burning substitute for diesel fuel made from vegetable oils, recycled cooking oil or animal fat. Biodiesel acts like diesel fuel and can be used in any compression-ignition (diesel) engine, with no or few considerations to be addressed.  It can be used in its pure form (B100) or as a blend with petroleum diesel, most commonly 20% biodiesel (B20).  But unlike diesel fuel, biodiesel is renewable, biodegradable, non-toxic, and produces much less air pollution.  More on biodiesel

"[W]ith our rich agricultural lands for growing crops used to make biodiesel, Washington State could quickly become one of the leading producers of this renewable fuel," says Representative Brian Sullivan, the prime sponsor of HB1240-1243. 

Pictured with the 'BioBug' are Rep. Brian Sullivan, prime sponsor of HB1240-1243 and vice chair of the Technology, Telecommunications & Energy (TT&E) Committee, and Rep. Jeff Morris, co-sponsor of the bills and chair of the TT&E Committee.

The SCCD is working with farmers and others in the Spokane area to realize the agricultural and economic benefits of a viable biodiesel market.  This market includes the production of agricultural oilseed feedstocks, such as mustard seed and rapeseed, a crushing facility to extrude the oils, and a biodiesel manufacturing facility.  According to the District, there is a potential for half a million acres of farm land in the three county area surrounding Spokane capable of being dedicated to oil seed crops to be used as feedstock for biodiesel production. The most promising biodiesel feedstock crops for Washington State are rapeseed (Canola) or yellow mustard.  These oil seed crops are readily adaptable to current crop rotations, direct seeding, and require minimal or no tillage or water.  Biodiesel feedstock production could mean $85 million in revenue to local farm economies, with the production of the biodiesel fuel leading to new jobs and further economic benefits throughout the state.

Increasing the use biodiesel and other alternative fuels will also help to decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil.  The United States currently imports more than sixty percent of its oil, with the transportation sector accounting for sixty-five percent of U.S. oil consumption.  The continued dependence on imported sources of oil affects the trade deficit, jobs and national security. 

As Representative Sullivan has stated, "By passing this legislation, we will reclaim a measure of energy independence while boosting our economy, protecting our environment, and improving the health of our citizens."

Representative Brian Sullivan (D-Mulkiteo), vice chair of the House Technology, Telecommunications & Energy Committee, represents the 21st District covering Edmonds, Mukilteo and portions of Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

Representative Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon), chair of the House Technology, Telecommunications & Energy Committee, represents the 40th District covering San Juan, and portions of Skagit and Whatcom Counties.

< top of page >