Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Ecology & Parks Committee

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.

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 Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Requires all new passenger cars, medium duty passenger vehicles, and light duty trucks beginning in model year 2010 to display a label that discloses comparative greenhouse gas emissions for that vehicle.
  • Requires the Department of Ecology to provide a status report to the Legislature before December 1, 2008.

Hearing Date: 2/20/08

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 [RCW 46.16.017].

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.