HB 1123 - AS INTRODUCED
2022 SESSION
22-2727
12/08
HOUSE BILL 1123
SPONSORS: Rep. Somssich, Rock. 27
COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration
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ANALYSIS
This bill directs the department of administrative services, in collaboration with the department of energy and the department of transportation, to support the increased use of biofuels and biodiesel for state procurement needs.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
22-2727
12/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Two
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Legislative Findings and Purpose. The general court finds that:
I. Within the last decade the National Biodiesel Board in conjunction with the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) have developed nationwide agreed upon standards, designated as ASTM D6751, that biodiesel must meet to be certified as such, and that quality standards are verifiable.
II. The currently available biodiesel fuel meets United State Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard. It is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that reduces our country's dependence on imported oil, creates jobs, and improves our environment. This type of biodiesel is particularly developed as a transportation and heating fuel, and continues to be further modified for even lower fuel pollutants and more efficient cold temperature behavior.
III. The primary feedstocks for biodiesel are soybean oil and discarded cooking oil waste from restaurants, both of which were sent to landfill sites at a cost to businesses, while selling these materials for biodiesel production now produces revenue for these same businesses.
IV. In addition to the application of biodiesel as a transportation fuel, blending biodiesel along with traditional petroleum-based heating oil provides businesses and residents with an alternative to regular heating oil, at a similar price and equivalent performance. For example, using a B20 bioheat blend is already widely accepted without the need for any modifications to conventional furnaces. However, even a blend between B50 and B100 is already being used in the Northeast with good results.
V. In addition to the environmental benefits of biodiesel use, biodiesel fuels reduce maintenance needs in conventional furnaces and transportation applications.
VI. Finally, the increased benefits of biodiesel have been recognized in many northeast states as exemplified by state mandated use in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, while the governor of Massachusetts has issued executive orders requiring state agencies to increase their use of biodiesel to at least B5 for transportation and B10 for heating purposes over a period of the next 10 years. Both biodiesel and renewable diesel are fossil diesel replacements made from the same feedstocks that are available in commercial scale now and provide similar benefits.
VII. The New Hampshire state government should support new clean renewable fuel technology when it is available and when it provides both financial and environmental benefits to our state. By doing so, the state would provide leadership in this area for our businesses and residents.
2 Actions Directed; State Support for Biofuels. The department of administrative services, in collaboration with the department of energy and the department of transportation, shall support the increase of the use of biofuels in New Hampshire, especially biodiesel and renewable diesel. Such increase in usage shall be a significant consideration in the procurement process when the need for heating fuels and transportation fuels are considered, providing prices are competitive and the required performance criteria are met. Within 2 years of the effective date of this act, the department of administrative services shall generate a report documenting their experience with biofuels and provide that report to the science technology & energy committee of the house, the energy and natural resources committee of the senate, the governor, and relevant state agencies.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.