SB 6386-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Recognizes that the air quality around idling heavy duty diesel vehicles and large vessels can contribute to unhealthy conditions.

Recognizes that idling vehicles contribute to driver fatigue through exposure to noise, vibration, and elevated levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants.

Declares that the state can assist in the reduction of idling vehicles and vessels by providing infrastructure to support the use of auxiliary power through a system of stand-alone and on-board electrification projects.

Recognizes that many other states, the federal government, and the countries of Canada and Mexico and private sector organizations are examining the issues related to this problem. Washington state must work cooperatively with these governments and organizations to seek compatible solutions to improve the air quality.

Declares an intent to provide assistance to owners and operators of heavy duty diesel vehicles which contribute to areas of concentrated air pollution by providing infrastructure to support the electrification of these facilities and seeking federal assistance to aid the owners and operators of vehicles, vessels, and trains to modify their equipment to accept auxiliary power when stationary.

Declares an intent to support electrification projects in areas where the current conditions are especially harmful to human health and there exist cost-effective solutions.

Directs the department to develop, in consultation with the department of transportation and the Washington public ports association, a list of approximately ten sites where cost-effective electrification projects appear to be practical and could be initiated for heavy duty diesel vehicles or large vessels. The sites shall be selected in areas where these vehicles and vessels commonly operate their engines or run diesel generators, while stationary, for lengthy periods of time. The department shall also develop a list of recommended nonelectrification options for improving the air quality at truck stops and in marine ports.

Directs the department to seek financial assistance from federal and nonstate sources to fund stand-alone and on-board electrification infrastructure projects, and to assist owners and operators of heavy duty diesel vehicles and large vessels to modify their on-board equipment to accept auxiliary power when stationary.