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Janea Holmquist, a Republican representative from rural eastern Washington, has prepared legislation to create minimum renewable fuel standards in the state. Enthusiasts say it will expand the use of alternative fuels and kick-start the state's biofuels industry.

But it takes more than enthusiasm to challenge the status quo. Supporters say they're already seeing opposition from some very large opponents.

So Seattle BioFuels CEO Martin Tobias hosted a fundraiser January 18th at his home on Elliot Bay in Seattle. His guest list was diverse, and he treated the crowd to champagne and a few mercifully short speeches.

Representative Janea Holmquist explained the origins of her bill:

"A group of farmers came to me a few years ago and said, 'Washington has every tool to be a leader in biofuels production.' Then we got into last summer, with high fuel costs. The upside is that now we have the public will and political influence to move forward with some biofuel measures."

State standards would eventually require all diesel fuel sold in Washington to contain a blend of at least two percent biodiesel created from crops grown in the state.

I asked Tobias why Washington needs to pass an RFS, with federal mandates already in place:

"Washington has an early lead in biofuels. By passing a renewable fuel standard it creates a minimum market which guarantees a demand for biofuels and allow the industry to invest for the long term and for Washington to continue to be a nationwide leader in the biofuels industry."

The timing is right for passing a renewable fuel standard in Washington. As if rising fuel prices weren't enough, the proposed legislation has the support of Governor Christine Gregoire.

Hans Dunshee, a Democrat from eastern Washington, who previously proposed building a biodiesel production facility with state funds, has put his support behind this proposal.

"This is important because we have to get to a sustainable society," Dunshee said. "We can't keep consuming everything in sight. Biofuels, sustainability, green building -- they're all part of allowing us to continue as a society."

Climate Solutions, a Northwest environmental group, has stepped up to defend the proposal. Their policy expert, KC Golden, talked with guests in Tobias's ultra-modern living room. I asked Golden why, of all the places in the world, Washington should take the initiative on an RFS. His reply:

"If you think about the concentration of technical talent, investment potential, transformational technology and innovation in the Puget Sound region, we've got more than our fair share. That's exactly set of resources we need for the transformation from fossil fuels."

Climate Solutions is known for its work to promote clean transportation. I asked Patrick Mazza, their clean-car expert, whether an RFS competes with electric cars:

"Not at all, it's completely complementary. The Holy Grail of transportation is the plug-in electric hybrid vehicle run on biofuels and electricity. When you put them together we can feasibly look at a fully renewable, greenhouse-gas-free, transportation system."

The Holy Grail of clean transportation has some hurdles to clear before it can become a reality. Seattle BioFuels founder John Plaza sees an RFS as a way to buy time:

"Sustainable fuels are the long-term viable solution to our independence from foreign oil, to extend the petroleum we have, and allow us more time to develop other forms of energy."

What happens if we run out of time? Representative Dunshee offered this dire, tongue-in-cheek prophecy:

"Our civilization is going to die off like yeast in the bottom of a beer bottle."

Related articles:
"Clean Energy Frenzy" (Seattle Weekly)
"Biodiesel -- the rest of the story" (Seattle Times, opinion)
"Seattle Biodiesel set to expand" (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
"Beer Advocate Yeast Guide"