SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5908
As of February 3, 2022
Title: An act relating to creating the clean car authority as a new state government agency.
Brief Description: Creating the clean car authority as a new state government agency.
Sponsors: Senators Liias, Carlyle, Hunt, Nguyen and Salda?a.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government & Elections: 1/28/22, 2/02/22 [DP-TRAN, w/oRec].
Transportation: 2/03/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates an interagency electric vehicle (EV) coordinating council co-led by the Department of Commerce and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
  • Establishes various duties of the council, including developing a statewide strategy to ensure readiness for all new vehicle sales to be zero emissions beginning in 2035 and coordinating EV-related grant funding criteria across agency grant programs.
  • Provides that the bill is contingent on funding being provided in the transportation budget this year.

 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Transportation.
Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Hasegawa.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Wilson, J., Ranking Member; Hawkins.
Staff: Melissa Van Gorkom (786-7491)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background:

The Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Act) enacted in 2021, invests in the nation’s infrastructure, including electric vehicles (EVs).  The Act authorizes new spending to build out a national network of  EV charging infrastructure along the national highway system.  The Act also expands eligibility under the existing Surface Transportation Block Program to include the installation of EV charging infrastructure.

 

Various agencies of state government play a role in administering EV-related grants and programs, including the Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Summary of Bill:

The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute):

The Interagency Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council (Council) is created, to be co-led by Commerce and WSDOT, with participation from specified agencies. The Council must be staffed jointly by Commerce and WSDOT. The Council must provide ongoing reports to the Governor and applicable committees of the Legislature.

 

The Council's responsibilities include the following:

  • development of a statewide strategy to ensure readiness for all new vehicle sales to be zero emissions beginning in 2035;
  • consolidation, maintenance, and dissemination of information about EV programs, policies, and funding;
  • identification of all EV grant related funding;
  • development of a statewide roadmap to electrification that is coordinated with the EV mapping and forecasting tool required in law;
  • coordination of EV-related grant funding criteria across agency grant programs;
  • creation of an industry EV advisory committee to provide input on ways to more effectively and efficiently decarbonize the transportation sector through electrification policies;
  • identification of policy challenges and existing barriers in transportation electrification policies;
  • development of a robust outreach plan;
  • ensuring the statewide transportation electrification strategy and activities benefit vulnerable and overburdened communities;
  • development of a website to serve as a one stop resource for EV initiatives; and
  • development of a statewide transportation electrification strategy that provides timelines to achieve a transition to zero emission vehicles.

 

The bill is contingent on funding being provided in the transportation budget this year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill is contingent on funding being provided in the transportation budget by June 30, 2022.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill (State Government & Elections):

OTHER:  We appreciate the concept of ramping up resources and staffing to effectively support the states transition to zero emission vehicles.  The Governor supports electrification of the transportation sector and is championing proposals and policies to transition to clean fuel vehicles.  Given one focus of the bill is on national electric vehicle program funding, we wanted to share that Washington State Department of Transportation is working closely with the Federal Highway Administration to understand the federal requirements.  We are working with the sponsor on an alternative approach that leverages the existing skills and expertise across our state agencies. 
Persons Testifying (State Government & Elections): OTHER: Debbie Driver, Governor's Office.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (State Government & Elections): CON: RACHEL BUCK.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony On Proposed Substitute (Transportation):

PRO:  Currently four agencies are managing EV grants and programs.  This bill is an attempt to help coordinate this work.  This bill will ensure EV policies will help benefit all areas of the state.  The bill expands on the good work Washington agencies are currently doing managing EV grants and programs.  Agencies will need funding to help staff the work of the council.  The industry advisory committee provision is a concern.
Persons Testifying (Transportation): PRO: Senator Marko Liias, Prime Sponsor; Annabel Drayton, NW Energy Coalition; Debbie Driver.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Transportation): No one.