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The Clean Green Bio Machine Promoting Alternative Fuel Legislation at the State Capitol
February 2003

The 'Clean Green Bio Machine' is a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle powered by a turbo diesel engine and fueled with 100% biodiesel. The 'Bio Machine' or 'Bio Bug' is part of the Spokane County Conservation District's (SCCD) educational efforts to help increase awareness of biodiesel and its positive impacts on the environment and public health. 

Biodiesel is a clean-burning, natural, renewable replacement for petroleum diesel. The fuel is made from vegetable oils, recycled cooking oil or tallow. Biodiesel acts like diesel fuel, but biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic, and produces significantly less air pollution. Most importantly, biodiesel reduces the air toxics and cancer-causing compounds associated with diesel exhaust. Biodiesel 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). More on biodiesel.

The SCCD brought the vehicle to the Capitol Campus in Olympia on February 13, 2003 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. The SCCD has been an active participant, along with the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition, in promoting alternative fuel and vehicle legislation.

House Bills 1240 through 1243 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. 

"[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. "The only serious downside to using biodiesel among potential consumers is its current high cost. However, much of this cost stems from the need to import it from out of state. If biodiesel were produced in Washington, its price would decrease rapidly", says Sullivan. 

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 has been investigating the agricultural and economic feasibility of biodiesel production in the state, particularly the potential benefits to Spokane County. 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. While these crops are currently being produced in Eastern Washington, the production levels are low due to a lack of processing facilities and market demand. 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.

In addition, increased use of alternative fuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol, would 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."

House Bill 1240 provides tax incentives for production of biodiesel and ethanol fuels in Washington State.
House Bill 1241 provides incentives to encourage more fuel distributors and fuel station owners to get in the business of selling 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.  

The package of incentives as passed by the State Legislature during the 2003 Legislative Session and signed by Governor Gary Locke.  Three of the bills were signed into law by the Governor during the week of April 14, 2003. The Governor signed HB1242 on April 16th and HB's 1241 and 1243 on April 18th. Details. 

Details on the new state incentives for biofuels is available.

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.