CSSJR 46 - WAIVE IRS DIESEL FUEL DYE RULE CHAIRMAN VEZEY opened CSSJR 46 for discussion. Number 605 DAVE THOMPSON, STAFF, SENATOR RICK HALFORD, gave the sponsor statement. He stated, due to the IRS passage of the 1993 Ombudsman Reconciliation Act, 95 percent of the diesel fuel in Alaska has to have dye added to it. Originally, blue dye was requested; however, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pointed out it is too similar to AV gas 100. They had the same problem with red dye. He noted CSSJR 46 would eliminate the dying process entirely, for two reasons: 1) FAA safety concerns; and 2) logistics in rural areas make it very difficult to put dye in diesel fuel. He stated there were at least three federal agencies, as well as Alaska state agencies, who are involved in waiving the dye requirement. CSSJR 46 would state the support of the legislature in pursuing the waiver. Number 626 CHAIRMAN VEZEY felt the title of CSSJR 46 might be improper because it states "nontaxable diesel fuel." He noted diesel fuel is a motor fuel, thereby being taxable. Heating fuel is not taxable. He asked if there had been discussion on that point. MR. THOMPSON responded the question had not come up. He noted CSSJR 46 was the first draft by Legislative Affairs. Number 639 CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated he did not believe there was a legal definition of diesel. Number 642 REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS pointed out the first WHEREAS indicates that the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 "requires dyeing of diesel fuel that is exempt from the federal diesel fuel tax;..." CHAIRMAN VEZEY replied he could be wrong, but the question dealt with usage. He thought it might be a point to bring up. Number 658 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT moved to pass CSSJR 46 from committee with individual recommendations with accompanying zero fiscal note. IN FAVOR: REPRESENTATIVES VEZEY, KOTT, B. DAVIS, G. DAVIS ABSENT: REPRESENTATIVES ULMER, OLBERG (REPRESENTATIVE SANDERS indicated he was in favor via Anchorage teleconference.) MOTION PASSED CHAIRMAN VEZEY called for a recess at 8:52 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:00 a.m.