2022 Legislative Session
During the 2022 regular legislative session, the Washington State Legislature moved forward a state transportation package in two bills, House Bill 2119 and Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which would create a costly mandate which would raise taxes on fuel exported by Washington manufacturers and could harm our state’s economy. In their current form, these bills also include a ban on gasoline engines.
The official website of the Washington State Legislature maintains tracking of bill status, links to video and records of committee hearings and floor activity, links to forms for public comment on the proposal, and related documents. Click below to access the current text of the legislative proposal, and the legislature’s most current information for HB 2119 and SSB 5974.
Bills introduced during the 2022 Regular Session:
- House Bill 2119
- Substitute Senate Bill 5974
2021 Legislative Session
In the weeks prior to the opening of the 2021 regular legislative session, the Washington State Legislature moved forward a pair of proposals – House Bill 1036 and House Bill 1091 – that would mandate the adoption of a costly, ineffective Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
Bills introduced during the 2021 Regular Session:
- House Bill 1091
- House Bill 1036
Prior Legislative Proposals
HB 1036 and HB 1091 are similar to previous, unsuccessful LCFS proposals that have been made in the Legislature. During the 2019-2020 regular session, an LCFS was proposed in two companion bills – Substitute House Bill 1110 and Senate Bill 5412. SHB 1110 was passed by the House and moved to the Senate, where it did not move out of committee.
Also in the final days of the 2020 regular session, the Washington State Legislature moved forward a proposal independent from SHB 1110 – House Bill 2957 – that would have expanded the so-called “Clean Air Rule” and given broad new authority to the Washington State Department of Ecology to impose costly new regulations on both “direct and indirect” greenhouse gas emissions sources. Any new regulations – which could include the adoption of a costly, ineffective Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) – as well as restrictions on the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels – could be adopted without legislative approval or oversight. An independent study estimates the cost of such regulations could be up to $6.8 billion on top of the cost of an LCFS. There were no cost containment provisions in HB 2957.
Bills introduced in previous legislative sessions:
- House Bill 2957 (2020)
- Substitute House Bill 1110 (2020)
- Senate Bill 5412 (2020)