OLYMPIA – Innovative fuels such as biodiesel and hydrogen fuel cells could boost jobs in a growing industry thanks to a package of bills introduced by Rep. Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, and passed by the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee Feb. 22.
“These three bills continue the work begun in 2003 to build a biodiesel and alternative fuels industry in Washington state,” Sullivan said. “We have a golden opportunity to fire up the economic engine and improve the health of kids and everyone.”
The first bill (House Bill 1645) would exempt school districts from the state’s 28-cent-per-gallon special fuel tax on the bio-fuel portion of the fuel in their school buses, if they use more than a 20 percent blend.
The second (House Bill 1646) would encourage the alternative fuels industry through tax exemptions on sales and use tax, B&O, and property taxes for six years after building manufacturing facilities.
The final bill (House Bill 1647) would provide tax incentives for using and purchasing alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuel refueling equipment, and alternative fuel.
All three bills have benchmarks to assess how they work. They also build on legislation passed two years ago, one of the nation’s first alternative fuels incentives packages.
Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes), chair of the Technology, Energy and Communications Committee and a co-sponsor of the bills, pointed out the advantages in promoting a biodiesel and alternative fuels market.
“We really hit a triple-play with alternative fuels,” Morris said. “We create a lot of new jobs, especially in rural areas. We encourage energy independence with less oil from other countries. And we start using cleaner fuels which is better for public health.”
The bills now move to fiscal committees for consideration.
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