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Hudgins bills clear path to clean fuel access January 24, 2007 Contact: Rep. Zack Hudgins (360) 786-7956 OLYMPIA - Amidst rising gas prices and growing public concern over greenhouse gas emissions, 11th District Democratic Representative Zack Hudgins has introduced a package of bills aimed at increasing consumers' choices at the fuel pump. “There’s no reason why Washington’s drivers couldn’t already lower their fossil fuel consumption,” said Hudgins. “We have addressed the production end with strategic investments in forward-thinking green industries. In fact, there are farmers in Eastern Washington and producers in my district already generating the clean renewable fuels to meet our needs. The problem is, unless we increase access to the market or distribution, we’ll never make a dent in the amount of oil we import from other countries.” A quick glance at the package of bills Hudgins has introduced includes: --- HB 1053 - Allows gas stations to purchase and sell an alternative fuel from a person or firm other than their fuel refiner-supplier. --- HB 1055 – Clarifies the definition of an alternative fuel, such as alcohol fuel, "biodiesel fuel" and certain diesel products. --- HB 1056 and HB 1058 – Together, these bills clarify the definition of "nonhazardous motor fuel" and would prohibit an oil refiner from preventing a fuel retailer who wishes to sell these nonhazardous motor fuels. --- HB 1057 - Would prompt state agencies that operate refueling stations the opportunity to offer alternative fuels to the public as well. State agencies would also be required to develop plans and estimate costs for renovating existing refueling stations or constructing new refueling stations that could provide alternative fuels. --- HB 1059 - Would protect fuel retailers from franchise agreements that prevent the sale of several alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas and electricity. Hudgins is serving his third term in office representing the 11th Legislative District, which covers parts of South Seattle, Burien, Sea-Tac, Tukwila and the southern part of Renton. # # # For more information: James Paribello, (360) 786-7843 Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell_da@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.
Rep. Hudgins’
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