BILL REQ. #:  H-4329.2 

Read first time 01/24/2006.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to designating state route number 5 as Washington hydrogen highway; amending RCW 47.17.020; and adding a new section to chapter 47.17 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 47.17 RCW to read as follows:
     The legislature finds that hydrogen, a noncarbon energy carrier that can be made from renewable energy, is ideally suited to address global, regional, and local energy and environmental challenges. Hydrogen-powered vehicles and infrastructure can lead to energy independence, a significant reduction in smog-forming emissions and a commensurate reduction in health problems due to air pollution, decreased water pollution from oil and gasoline leaks, and quieter and smoother vehicle operation. Alternative fuel vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, propane, biodiesel, and ethanol can also provide many of these same benefits.
     As part of its preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Vancouver is developing a so-called hydrogen highway to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. In order to further encourage the adoption and commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and alternative fuel vehicles, the legislature finds that a portion of the Washington highway system that connects the United States to the highway system of the Vancouver metropolitan area should be designated as Washington Hydrogen Highway.

Sec. 2   RCW 47.17.020 and 1970 ex.s. c 51 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     A state highway to be known as state route number 5, hereby designated the Washington Hydrogen Highway, is established as follows:
     Beginning at the Washington-Oregon boundary line on the interstate bridge over the Columbia river at Vancouver, thence northerly by way of Kelso, Chehalis, Centralia, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett and Mt. Vernon, thence northwesterly to the east of Lake Samish, thence northeasterly and northerly by way of Bellingham to the international boundary line in the vicinity of Blaine in Whatcom county.