Vegetable oil as fuel lessens our dependence on foreign oil; this is an economic benefit; a national security benefit and promotes community-based recycling.

Say NO to the Grease Police!
HB1322 is a legislation in search of a problem: What specific problem does this bill address?
1. This bill was written on behalf of Valley Proteins, which has a well-documented history of environmental violations. The state of Virginia as well as the EPA have cited Valley Proteins numerous times for regulatory violations. VP is in no position to demand that others submit to additional regulation when they consistently ignore the current laws.
2. Valley Proteins is concerned with grease theft. It is worth noting that there is no difference between theft of grease and theft. Existing laws adequately address property theft; there is no need for a super theft law that applies only to veggie oil. If people are stealing their grease then they should work with local law enforcement, not run to get a special interest law passed.
3. Very little input was afforded from affected citizens; no veg oil users, restaurant owners, nor BD producers were involved in drafting this legislation.
4. If Valley Proteins is losing grease from their barrels, , let them buy padlocks.
5. Who is going to enforce this? The Grease Police?

This is an analysis by Chris Bates. It sums up some of the issues well:

1. The bill was created in response to a single constituent (Valley Protein) . VP has complained that people are stealing grease that should be intended for them. VP generally does not lock its grease collection receptacles and fails to enforce its contracts with appropriate civil action. The clear purpose of this bill is two fold:

A. Reduce competition for this product by criminalizing those issues that should be handled through civil actions. (3.2-5510 A 3) This effectively transfers the cost of enforcement from VP to the state.

B. Reducing competition by creating a complicated system that is relatively expensive to enter and to maintain. (3.2-5509, Application fee, Registration fee, Vehicle marking, added insurance and 3.2 5511)

2. The program is a net cost to the State. It is not likely that the small number of fees collected will defray the cost of VDACS to train and deploy inspectors to insure compliance. There is no provision to defray the cost of local law enforcement to enforce the plethora of complaints that VP is sure to generate.

3. The program has a “lock box “ provision so that it is not likely that fees collected under this system can contribute to the general fund. There is no stated mechanism to reimburse the localities for the cost of collection or administration.

1. It creates another level of government intrusion into what should be private civil matters.
2. It benefits only a very small number of companies by reducing opportunities for others.
3. It adds another tax yet increases the size and net cost of government.
4. It attacks the “green” entrepreneurship that we encourage and, in fact, subsidize elsewhere.

Valley Proteins has been very up front about why they are sponsoring HB1322. They do not wish to be responsible for maintaining the integrity and condition of their collection barrels.

"2650 - Repeat Observed excessive grease in and around the Valley Protein containers. This is a chronic problem with Valley Protein who is very slow to take action. This creates an environmental problem."
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/va-re...6.html#ixzz0g5RnUTeN
Valley Proteins should purchase padlocks and lock their grease barrels.

The amount 1320 is an EPA limit for above ground oil storage. There is no need to add another law saying the same thing.