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).

Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications
House Committee on Ecology & Parks

Background: Greenhouse gases are substances that include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and chlorofluorocarbons. Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming. In Washington, automobiles account for roughly 25 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector as a whole contributes nearly 45 percent of total state greenhouse gas emissions. Presently no requirement exists in Washington to disclose to consumers, other motorists, or the general public the greenhouse gas emissions of new motor vehicles. 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: The Department of Ecology (Ecology) must develop and implement a greenhouse gas emissions disclosure labeling program. Disclosure labels must be conspicuously affixed to new passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles offered for sale beginning with the 2010 model year. Disclosure labels should 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 should identify the vehicle model with the lowest greenhouse gas emission levels for the model year. An emissions disclosure label that complies with the requirements of the California vehicle labeling program must be deemed to meet the requirements of this act. Automobile manufacturers may apply to Ecology for approval of an alternative to the disclosure labeling requirement, provided the alternative is as effective as the disclosure label required by Ecology. Ecology must provide the Legislature with a progress report by December 1, 2008. The report must also 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.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      39   10
House      66   28

Effective: June 12, 2008