Renewable fuels are becoming an increasingly important political issue. As a result, new renewable fuels-related legislation at the state and federal level is being introduced. We've highlighted a few of the most recent items of legislation and related information.
California Legislation
SB 210 - This bill will require the state board to adopt, implement, and enforce a low-carbon fuel standard by regulation that achieves the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective reductions in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels, and at least a 10% reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by January 1, 2020, if technologically feasible and cost effective. The low-carbon fuel standard would apply to all refiners, blenders, producers, and importers of transportation fuels.
SB 70 - TThis bill would specify standards for biodiesel and biodiesel blends, and for renewable diesel and renewable diesel blends. This bill also authorizes the use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in diesel powered vehicles owned or leased by the State of California, by a city, county, or city and county, or by a mass transit district or school district , if the following conditions are met:
- The Biodiesel blend is cost competitive and readily Available
- The State Air Resources Board finds and determines in a public hearing that the use of biodiesel fuel will not result in any increase in an air pollutant or toxic air contaminant, based on a full life cycle analysis of those emissions which quantifies emissions from the production, distribution, sale, and use of the fuel.
- The use of the fuel will not result in the voiding of any warranties for engines or air pollution control equipment.
AB32 – Establish limits for greenhouse gas emissions; establish mandatory reporting and market mechanisms.
Federal and Other Legislation
Federal legislation to extend the federal excise tax credit for biodiesel fuels.
Federal legislation to require domestic production of 2 billion gallons of alternative diesel by 2015
President Bush establishes goal of reducing U.S. gasoline and diesel usage by 20% in the next 10 years – Twenty In Ten.
U.S. EPA establishes Nation's first renewable fuel standard.
Bipartisan Federal legislation to increase availability and use of renewable fuels, decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
State of Washington adopts biodiesel and ethanol mandate.
Additional Legislation Information
Domestic Fuel - Legislation Blog
American Soybean Assoc. Applauds Biodiesel Legislation
Nat'l Biodiesel Board - State Legislation Highlights
2007 to be a Bumper Crop Year for Biodiesel Legislation - Biodiesel Magazine
New Alternative Fuels Legislation Introduced
California Biodiesel Legislation
2007-2008 California Energy Legislation
