Agency proposes biofuels quality, labeling standards

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is responding to increased consumer demand for biodiesel and ethanol by adopting labeling and quality standards to allow buyers to make informed choices at the filling station.

A WSDA fuel-quality monitoring program would help ensure that wholesalers and retailers are in fact marketing a product that meets those labeling standards.

Under state law, by November 30, 2008, two percent of the fuel sold in Washington must be from renewable sources. Biofuels are generally sold as blends with conventional petroleum fuel. The proposed standards for both labeling and quality of biofuels are based on nationally recognized standards.

At retail fuel pumps, if the fuel contains not less than two percent biodiesel and not more than five percent biodiesel, it must be labeled "contains up to five percent Biodiesel." If the fuel blend is more than five percent biodiesel, it must be labeled with the actual percentage of biodiesel.

Similarly, ethanol blends with more than 1 percent ethanol but less than 10 percent must be labeled "contains up to 10 percent ethanol." Higher percentage blends must note the actual percentage.

WSDA will hold a public hearing on the proposed rules at 10 a.m. on February 15 at the Natural Resources Building, Room 259, 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia. Persons may present material in writing or orally at the hearing. Written material must be received no later than 5 p.m. on February 15 Material may be sent by e-mail to hgonzales@agr.wa.gov or by mail to Henri Gonzales, WSDA, PO Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560.