Clean Air/Clean Fuels Act goes to governor

Dickerson bill will promote clean energy, grow biofuels industry

OLYMPIA—Legislation to promote a clean energy economy in Washington state and make the state a leader in reducing fossil fuels consumption won final approval in the House of Representatives today.

The Clean Air/Clean Fuels Act (House Bill 1303), sponsored by state Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Seattle), has been a top priority of 21 of Washington’s leading environmental organizations. Not only should it reduce the $30 million per day consumers in Washington pay on fossil fuels produced outside the state, but the bill will help grow the biofuels industry in a way that does not use valuable food crops for energy production.

The bill directs all state and local agencies to use biofuels or electricity to meet 100% of their vehicle usage needs by 2015. However, it imposes no mandates on Washington citizens and businesses.

“We’re going to make Washington state a national leader in clean energy not by telling others what to do but by showing them how it can be done,” Dickerson said.

As passed by the House today, the Clean Air/Clean Energy Act would also:

* Authorize market incentives to help Washington’s farmers produce crops or convert plant wastes into clean biofuels. A new Energy Freedom office would coordinate state efforts and encourage wider use of biofuels and clean energy alternatives.

* Help Washington ports slash air pollution emanating from port equipment and operations.

* Involve the University of Washington and Washington State in long-term analysis and planning to mitigate impacts of global warming.

* Help build an infrastructure for the distribution of biofuels.

* Encourage school districts to replace about 700 old high-pollution diesel buses in Washington state with new ultra-low-sulfur buses. Diesel pollution is a leading precursor to cancer in children. New buses are also cheaper to maintain.

Approved earlier by the Senate, HB 1303 was passed in the House today by a vote of 79 to 19. The Clean Air/Clean Fuels Act now moves to the governor for her signature.

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Staff contact: Robin Boyes (360) 786-7225