Washington governor signs renewable natural gas bill

Proponents of low-carbon fuels in Washington state have secured a legislative victory that should expand the role of renewable natural gas.

Governor Jay Inslee (D) yesterday signed into law a bill that requires the state to submit recommendations on how to promote the sustainable development and use of renewable natural gas, while pursuing voluntary gas quality standards for the injection of the product into natural gas pipelines. The bill also reinstates and expands several tax incentives for the industry.

"This bill will help in our fight against climate change by reducing highly-polluting methane emissions and displacing fossil fuels with low-carbon, renewable sources of biogas," said Inslee. "As we transition to a clean-energy future, this will help us promote production of renewable natural gas from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food processing, and agriculture."

The measure, HB 2580, received broad support in the Legislature, passing the Senate by a 47-1 vote and the House unanimously.

Backers of the new law said it will help reduce methane emissions and decarbonize natural gas infrastructure.

"By supporting renewable natural gas project development, Washington's leaders are supporting the creation of clean energy sector jobs, improved air quality and public health," said Johannes Escudero, chief executive officer of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.

Renewable natural gas, also known as biomethane, is a more processed form of biogas and can be used to produce renewable electricity, heat and low-carbon transportation fuels. Biogas develops through the decomposition of organic materials like those found in landfills, wastewater treatment plants or dairy farms.

Two of the approximately 70 renewable natural gas plants in the US operate in Washington. The Cedar Hills Landfill produces the fuel from municipal solid waste, while the King County South Treatment Plant takes advantage of wastewater. One additional landfill facility is under construction and two more projects are planned for the near future, according to the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.