The state Department of Ecology is looking for public input on a rule that would reduce the carbon pollution in gasoline and diesel fuel. The department has announced a public comment period on a tentative plan to reduce carbon pollution in motor fuels. The plans stems from a legislative order to reduce greenhouse gases that was issued in 2008.
The idea is to reduce greenhouse gases by requiring fuel producers to reduce the carbon content of fuels by 10 percent over 10 years. Fuel suppliers could develop their own fuels, mix gasoline with alternative fuels such as biodiesel, or buy credits from other companies.
Ecology Director Maia Bellon says cost of the program will be strictly controlled.
Bellon: "The office has studied and estimated the cost at 2 cents per gallon by 2020, and ten cents by 2026. Importantly this discussion document contains cost containment provisions to avoid a spike in any fuel costs.”
Gov. Jay Inslee has decided he want feedback on the proposal before starting a formal rule-making process. More information is available through the discussion document on clean fuel on the Department of Ecology’s website.
A thirty day public comment period will be held. One public meeting is scheduled in Spokane at SCC on February the 23rd at 6:30 pm.
