An Adobe Acrobat version of this document is available. To view it, you will need the free Acrobat Reader available at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html. If you have the reader, you can download this document by selecting this link:

View Adobe Acrobat Document

RESOLUTION NO. 05-035

Supporting Legislation to Promote the Use and Production of Biofuels in Oregon

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Finds:

a. Recent studies show use of standard diesel fuel is causing particulate pollution levels to be on average 750 times higher than human health benchmarks, making it the number one air toxic in Multnomah County and Oregon.

b. Studies also show the use of these diesel fuels is linked to lung cancer, upper respiratory illnesses, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disorders. Standard diesel fuel exhaust is of particular concern as an asthma trigger, especially for children and other vulnerable populations.

c. Previous action by Multnomah County (Resolution 01-052) established a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2010 and included an objective to increase the use of alternative fuels in on-road and off–road equipment.

d. Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel made from natural, renewable sources such as vegetable oils. It is a renewable fuel that reduces emissions of diesel particulate matter and air toxics. Additionally, according to a U.S. Department of Energy analysis, biodiesel results in a 78% lifecycle reduction in carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas causing global warming. Biorefineries can co-produce ethanol and biofuel products from grain, as well as biolubricants from oilseed crops. Ethanol used in a 10% blend with gasoline can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12-19%.

e. Biofuels, including biodiesel and ethanol, offer an alternative to a fossil-fuel economy and provide a means of transitioning to a renewable energy economy not dependent on foreign oil.

f. Since 2002, Multnomah County has used biodiesel in its own fleet – with positive results. No capital costs, engine modifications, or changes to infrastructure have been required; and no significant performance issues have been experienced. Continued use is expected.

g. There is strong and growing West Coast demand for renewable transportation fuels including ethanol and biodiesel. However, while some are being discussed, there are not yet any large scale West Coast plants to meet that demand.

h. Biofuels offer strong economic development potential by stimulating the growth of crops locally for biofuel production, as well generating new jobs associated with development and operation of biofuels manufacturing in Oregon.

i. Relying on local feedstock for biofuels production will provide more options for crops and profits for the Oregon agriculture industry. Additionally, the byproduct of the crops used to produce biofuels themselves can also become a viable market as a natural fertilizer or processed as livestock feed.

j. Biodiesel is also produced out of waste grease, creating a new market for waste grease from area restaurants.

k. Biofuels have minimal up-front investment, for long term economic gains.

l. Using biofuels promotes positive air quality, energy security, and economic development for our region.

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Resolves:

1. The Board endorses 2005 biofuels legislation being introduced in Oregon to provide incentives to produce biofuels in Oregon and utilize Oregon crops; set a renewable fuel standard; expand markets for biodiesel; and support pilot projects for biodiesel school buses.

ADOPTED this 24th day of February 2005.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON

Diane M. Linn, Chair

REVIEWED:

AGNES SOWLE, COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON

By Matthew O. Ryan, Assistant County Attorney