HCS HB 1472 -- BIODIESEL FUEL

SPONSOR:  Lawson (Whorton)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Environment and Energy by a vote of 14 to 2.

This substitute requires the Department of Transportation to
develop and implement a program by October 1, 2003, to use
biodiesel fuel blends in its vehicle fleet and heavy equipment.
The fuel must contain at least 20% biodiesel and may not exceed
conventional diesel fuel in price by more than $0.25 per gallon.
Program goals are to have at least 50% of the department's
diesel-fueled vehicles using biodiesel blends by July 1, 2004,
and 75% by July 1, 2005.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost to Road Fund of $0 in FY 2003, $0 in
FY 2004, and $607,125 in FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that biodiesel fuel reduces air
pollution, boosts the local agricultural economy, and reduces
dependence on foreign oil.  By ensuring demand for biodiesel
fuel, the bill encourages investors to develop more production
and distribution facilities.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Whorton; National
Biodiesel Board; Jefferson City Oil Company; and Missouri Soybean
Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Terry Finger, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:01 am