7/7/04-A proposal died that sought to require service stations selling diesel fuel to convert to a biodiesel mix starting in 2006.
The bill, which Gov. Ruth Ann Minner called for in her State of the State address, remained in the House Transportation Committee at the close of the session June 30, effectively killing it for the year. It had previously cleared the Senate.
SB321, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harris McDowell III, D-Wilmington North, intended to help clean the air by reducing pollution from diesel engines.
It also would have aided soybean farmers by expanding the market for their crops.
The bill would have required fuel stops to sell an 80-20 mix of biodiesel. The fuel is made by blending diesel oil with vegetable oils and animal fat.
The biomaterial helps replace sulfur as a lubricant in diesel fuel and reduces emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and soot.
It would have added about 2 cents a gallon to the cost of fuel.

6/23/04-Service stations in Delaware that sell diesel fuel would be required to convert to a biodiesel mix starting in 2006, under a bill that cleared the Senate June 15.
The bill, which Gov. Ruth Ann Minner called for in her State of the State address, is intended to help clean the air by reducing pollution from diesel engines.
It also would aid soybean farmers by expanding the market for their crops.
SB321, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harris McDowell III, D-Wilmington North, would require fuel stops to sell an 80-20 mix of biodiesel. The fuel is made by blending diesel oil with vegetable oils such as soybean oil and animal fat.
The biomaterial helps replace sulfur as a lubricant in diesel fuel and reduces emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and soot.
It would add about 2 cents a gallon to the cost of fuel.
The bill has been forwarded to the House Transportation Committee for consideration.
For bill status, call (302) 739-4114. In Delaware, call 1-800-282-8545.