Washington State Approves Incentives Package for Biodiesel and Ethanol Fuels
House Bills 1240, 1241, 1242 and 1243

The Washington State Legislature and Governor Gary Locke have approved a package of bills to promote in-state production and use of biodiesel and ethanol fuels. The District supported these bills as part of its On-Farm Energy Production Program.

“This package of bills is designed not only to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and clean up our air, but also to help farmers in our state by starting a new industry,” said Rep. Brian Sullivan (D-Mukilteo), the prime sponsor of House Bills 1240-1243. “This is an opportunity to work together for the common good of all the citizens of Washington state.”

The comprehensive package includes four bills:

- HB1240: incentives to attract in-state production facilities;
- HB1241: incentives for the development of retail fuel stations;
- HB1242: use of biodiesel by state fleet vehicles; and
- HB1243: a biodiesel school bus pilot program.

Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel made from domestic renewable resources such as soybeans, oilseed crops, recycled vegetable oil and restaurant grease which can be used in virtually any diesel engine. Ethanol is also a renewable resource, produced from domestic sources such as corn and waste biomass.

The benefits from using biodiesel and ethanol include reducing harmful vehicle emissions that pollute the air and contribute to global warming, extending an engine’s life and reducing reliance on foreign oil. However, biodiesel and ethanol also present a tremendous economic growth opportunity in Washington state.

“This is one of the most significant things we’ll do in this legislative body this session,” said Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “With Washington’s rich agricultural lands for growing crops used to make biodiesel, our state could become one of the leading producers of this renewable fuel. Investing in biodiesel is good for the environment, good for our health, and good for job creation.”

Senator Dino Rossi (R-5), chair of the Ways and Means Committee, emphasized the multiple benefits of the bills - clean air, growing new industries, creating jobs, and helping farmers - and stated that he was "thrilled to have the bills on the floor."

To Senator Rossi's list of benefits, Senator Fraser added energy security and the health of our children. "These are win, win, win, win bills" noted Senator Karen Fraser (D-22) during debate of the bills in the Senate.

The four bills were signed by Governor Gary Locke during April and May of 2003. House Bill 1240 was signed as part of a press conference, at which the Governor announced the signing of several pieces of legislation with significant environmental protections.

A few of the many supporters of HB1240 joined Governor Gary Locke for the signing of the bill. From left to right: Representative Kelli Linville; Mike Ryherd, lobbyist for the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency; Dennis McLerran, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency; Senator Karen Fraser; Linda Graham, Director of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition; and Jim Armstrong, Public Information Officer for the Spokane County Conservation District.

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