HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6309
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Ecology & Parks
Title: An act relating to presale disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions from new passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles.
Brief Description: Requiring disclosure of greenhouse gas vehicle emissions.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller, Kohl-Welles, Jacobsen, Regala, Oemig, Pridemore, Murray, Marr, Hatfield, Kline and Tom).
Brief History:
Ecology & Parks: 2/20/08, 2/22/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Dickerson, Eickmeyer and O'Brien.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Sump, Ranking Minority Member; Pearson.
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
Vehicles can not be registered, leased, rented, or sold unless the vehicle: (1) is consistent
with the vehicle emission standards as adopted by the Department of Ecology (DOE); (2) is
consistent with the DOE carbon dioxide equivalent emission standards; and (3) has a
California certification label for (i) all emission standards and (ii) carbon dioxide equivalent
emission standards necessary to meet fleet average requirements. The Department of
Licensing and the DOE may exempt certain vehicles.
According to the Climate Advisory Team's 2008 report, the largest source of Washington's
greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation, accounting for nearly half of the state's
total gross greenhouse gas emissions in 2005.
California and New York have recently passed legislation requiring disclosure of greenhouse
gas tailpipe emissions, and are now developing consumer disclosure labeling programs for
new automobiles.
Summary of Bill:
Disclosure labels will use an index or rating system that compares the vehicle's greenhouse
gas emission levels with the average greenhouse gas emissions levels of all vehicles offered
for sale in the same model year. In addition, the index or rating system will identify the
vehicle model with the lowest greenhouse gas emission levels for that model year. An
emissions disclosure label that complies with the requirements of the California vehicle
labeling program will meet the labeling requirements of this act. Automobile manufacturers
may apply to the DOE for approval of an alternative to the disclosure labeling requirement,
provided the alternative is as effective as the disclosure label required by the DOE.
The DOE must provide to the Legislature a progress report by December 1, 2008. The report
must provide: (1) an update on the status of California's greenhouse gas vehicle labeling
program; and (2) recommendations as necessary for legislation to meet the intent and purpose
of the act by the 2010 model year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is useful information for people buying a car. Greenhouse gas emissions
are a growing concern and having an informed consumer is in the best interest of everyone.
Consumers should have this type of information.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Rockefeller, prime sponsor; and Marshall Taylor, Department of Ecology.