HB 2421-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Finds that the goals of the state and federal clean air acts will be advanced by extending the use of the high occupancy vehicle lanes to federally certified clean-fuel vehicles as long as the vehicles are not a significant cause of congestion in the high occupancy vehicle lanes.

     Provides that, by June 30, 2001, the department shall issue special clean-fuel license plates, bearing the standard background, for passenger vehicles that are federally certified as:  (1) Inherently low-emission vehicles;

     (2) ultra low-emission vehicles; or

     (3) zero-emission vehicles.  The license plates shall denote the vehicle's certification with the inherently low-emission, ultra low-emission, or zero-emission designation.

     Directs the department to revoke the special clean-fuel designation if the vehicle is required to have a standard emission test, under chapter 70.120 RCW, and it fails the test.

     Provides that the use of a special clean-fuel license plate on a vehicle that is not federally certified, or on a certified vehicle that has failed an emission test more than fifteen days previous, is a misdemeanor.

     Authorizes the state department of transportation and the local authorities, in consultation with the department of ecology, to permit a vehicle with one or more occupants to operate in high occupancy vehicle lanes if it is certified as an inherently low-emission vehicle, ultra low-emission vehicle, or zero-emission vehicle pursuant to Title 40, Chapter 1, Part 88, Code of Federal Regulations, is labeled in accordance with section 88.312-93(c) of that title, and bears a special clean-fuel license plate as provided in this act.

     Provides that methyl tertiary-butyl ether may not be intentionally added to any gasoline, motor fuel, or clean fuel produced for sale or use in the state of Washington after December 31, 2002, and in no event may methyl tertiary-butyl ether be present in gasoline above six-tenths of one percent by volume.

     Revises provisions relating to outdoor burning.