Regulations and Incentives

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Washington State Regulations

The State of Washington has several laws and regulations related to alternative fuels and vehicles:

Licensing of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles for Operation on Public Roads  Senate Bill 5450 allows Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) to be licensed for on-road use in Washington State.

Emissions Testing Exemption  Electric, CNG, and LPG vehicles are exempt from emission control inspections. Effective June 13, 2002, hybrid motor vehicles that obtain a rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of at least 50 miles per gallon of gas during city driving are also exempt from these inspections. (Reference RCW 46.16.015)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Identification  Every automobile, truck, motorcycle, motor home, or off-road vehicle that is fueled by an alternative fuel source shall bear a reflective placard issued by the National Fire Protection Association indicating that the vehicle is so fueled. (Reference RCW 46.37.467)

Use of Biodiesel by State Agencies  All state agencies are encouraged to use a fuel blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel (B20) for use in diesel-powered vehicles. Effective June 1, 2006, for state agencies complying with the ultra low sulfur diesel mandate of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at least 2% biodiesel shall be used as an additive to ultra low sulfur diesel for lubricity, provided that this is warranted and that performance and cost are comparable with other available lubricity additives. (Reference HB 1242, 2003)

Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles by State Agencies  At least 30% of all new vehicles purchased through a state contract must be clean-fuel vehicles; this percentage shall increase at the rate of 5% each year. It is preferred that dedicated clean-fuel vehicles be purchased; in the event that dedicated clean-fuel vehicles are not available or would not meet operation requirements, conventionally powered vehicles may be converted to clean fuel or dual fuel use. (Reference RCW 43.19.637)

State Agency Sustainability Plans  As part of Washington's commitment the mutually compatible goals of economic vitality, a healthy environment and strong communities, each Washington state agency is encouraged to establish sustainability objectives and prepare a biennial Sustainability Plan to modify its practices regarding resource consumption; vehicle use; purchase of goods and services; and facility construction, operation and maintenance. Plans should be guided by long-term goals including a shift to clean energy for vehicles. (Reference Executive Order 02-03)

School District Use of Biodiesel  Two school districts are to be selected to participate in a pilot project on the use of biodiesel with ultra low sulfur diesel in school buses. The pilot project will begin in September of 2003. During the 2003 school year, at least one of the participating school districts will fuel at least 10 buses or 25% of its school bus fleet with ultra low sulfur diesel. During the 2004 school year, at least seven or 70% of those buses will be fueled with a blend of 80% ultra low sulfur diesel and 20% biodiesel. One of the participating school districts may use B20 with #2 diesel throughout the project. Emissions testing will take place at specified intervals throughout the project. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall submit a report of findings, including issues related to the maintenance of the vehicles, to the legislature by September 1, 2005. (Reference HB1243, 2003)

State Energy Strategy of 1994  A state strategy to elevate energy issues in the state and determine where the state should focus its efforts. Alternative fuel vehicles were determined as one area of focus. The strategy does not prescribe any mandates or incentives, merely "encouragements".

Washington State Incentives  The State of Washington offers a variety of incentives for alternative fuels and vehicles.