The Olympian reported that the state’s Office of State Procurement is following up on an executive order signed by former Gov. Gary Locke before he left office that calls on state agencies to use a 5 percent biodiesel blend in all of their diesel-powered vehicles.
In addition, the order also calls on the state to commit to a 20 percent blend by Sept. 1, 2009.
The state’s Department of Transportation is one of the largest purchasers of biodiesel, according to The Olympian.
The department started a program in 2004 using biodiesel in thee state ferries. The project was suspended when the ferries began having problems with clogged fuel filters. However, new specifications in the fuel contract call for a higher grade of biodiesel that could eliminate those problems.
Paul Horton, co-director of the state’s Climate Solutions program, told The Olympian that work is under way on a package of bills for the 2006 Legislature that will promote the production and use of biodiesel in the state.
