(1) Initial implementation fee. An initial implementation fee must be paid by each owner or operator of a facility that has a refrigeration or air conditioning system with a full charge greater than or equal to 1,500 pounds and that uses a refrigerant with a GWP of 150 or more.

(a) The initial implementation fee is due and payable to ecology within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.

(b) The amount of the initial implementation fee is $150. A facility with a regulated refrigeration system and a regulated air conditioning system pays a single initial implementation fee for the facility.

(2) Annual implementation fee. An annual implementation fee must be paid by each owner or operator of a facility that has a refrigeration or air conditioning system with a full charge greater than or equal to 200 pounds and that uses a refrigerant with a GWP of 150 or more.

(a) The annual implementation fee is due and payable to ecology no later than 30 days of receipt of the annual invoice, beginning with the year in which the initial implementation fee is required under subsection (1) of this section.

(b) The amount of the annual implementation fee is determined by this subsection. If the facility has more than one refrigeration or air conditioning system, the amount of the fee is based on the regulated refrigeration system or regulated air conditioning system operating at the facility with the largest refrigerant charge size.

(i) Systems with a full charge of 1,500 or more pounds.

(A) Beginning January 1, 2024, the annual implementation fee for facilities that have a refrigeration or air conditioning system with a full charge of 1,500 pounds or greater is $370.

(B) Beginning January 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, the amount of the annual implementation fee will be established in accordance with WAC 173-455-160.

(ii) Systems with a full charge of 200 to 1,499 pounds.

(A) Beginning January 1, 2026, the annual implementation fee for facilities that have a refrigeration or air conditioning system with a full charge of 200 to 1,499 pounds is $170.

(B) Beginning January 1, 2027, and each year thereafter, the amount of the annual implementation fee will be established in accordance with WAC 173-455-160.

(3) There are no initial or annual implementation fees for facilities with refrigeration or air conditioning systems with a full charge of less than 200 pounds of refrigerant.

(4) There are no initial or annual implementation fees for refrigerant wholesalers, distributors, or reclaimers.