FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6329

C 24 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Exempting certain hybrid vehicles from emission control inspection requirements.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, Honeyford, Fraser, Jacobsen and Winsley).

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Background: Federal law requires vehicle emission testing in areas that violated carbon monoxide or ozone air quality standards.  Testing is required in the urban portions of Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane counties.  The Department of Ecology runs the motor vehicle emission inspection program and contracts with private entities to operate the vehicle inspection stations.

Certain motor vehicles are exempt from the emission testing requirement.  Exempt vehicles include: vehicles more than 25 or less than five years old; vehicles powered by propane or compressed natural gas or electricity; motorcycles; farm vehicles; used vehicles sold by dealers; and collector cars.

A hybrid motor vehicle is one that uses propulsion units powered by both electricity and gas.  It is suggested that certain hybrid vehicles should be exempt from emission testing.

Summary:  Hybrid motor vehicles that obtain a rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of at least 50 miles per gallon during city driving are exempt from vehicle emission testing.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate470

House960

Effective:  June 13, 2002