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Washington State Approves Package of Bills to Promote Use of Biodiesel and Ethanol Fuels 
House Bills 1240, 1241, 1242 and 1243

The Washington State Legislature and the state's Governor have approved passage of a package of bills designed to promote in-state production and use of biodiesel and ethanol fuels. 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.

“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 cohesive package of bills provides:

- 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.

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.”   

Though the cost of biodiesel and ethanol fuels is higher than that of regular diesel, the price stems largely from the expense of importing the product into the state.  House Bill 1240 would help to lower the price of the fuels by stimulating its production in Washington state.

Another measure, House Bill 1243, sets up a pilot project in which a school district would use a fleet of school buses powered by biodiesel. 

“We have an aging fleet of school buses,” said Rep. Alex Wood (D-Spokane).  “Recent studies have shown that some of the emissions from these buses could be harmful to children.  Part of this pilot program will be to track these emissions and to see how much we can reduce air pollution.”  A recent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists gave the Washington state fleet of school buses a failing grade for pollution.  The study examined the amount of particulates, smog-forming pollution, and greenhouse gases emitted by the average state school bus. 

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.