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For Immediate Release
December 13, 2007
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Senate Approves "Biodiesel Study and
Production Incentive Act"
Measure will increase use of
biodiesel and study impact on air quality.
Harrisburg Legislation that would increase the in-state
production of biodiesel and study its impact on air quality
was approved by the state Senate yesterday, according to
Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who sponsored the measure.
Special Session Senate Bill 36, the Biodiesel Study and
Production Incentive Act, sets gradually increasing
biodiesel content requirements for all diesel fuel sold in
Pennsylvania. The requirements take effect when in-state
biodiesel production, offered for sale within the
Commonwealth, reach certain levels set by the bill.
Biodiesel is derived from sources such as vegetable oils and
can be used in vehicles that use diesel refined from
petroleum.
"Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable energy source,
and encouraging in-state production will assist in
offsetting our importation of oil, particularly from
unstable regions of the world," said White, who chairs the
Special Session Committee on Energy Policies.
Special Session Senate Bill 36 sets the following
requirements for biodiesel content, based on gallons
produced and offered for sale in-state:
- 60 million gallons 2%
- 150 million gallons 5%
- 300 million gallons 10%
- 600 million gallons 20%
The bill requires that, six months prior to the effective
date of each content requirement, the state must certify
whether or not there is sufficient transportation,
distribution and other necessary infrastructure within
Pennsylvania to met the requirements. If adequate
infrastructure isnt available, the requirements can be
delayed.
Special Session Senate Bill 36 also requires the state
Department of Environmental Protection to contract with an
independent third party to conduct a study of air quality
prior to the requirements taking effect. Studies will then
measure the impact of the legislation on Pennsylvania's
ability to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for
consideration.
CONTACT:
Pat Henderson
(717) 787-9684
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