RCW 70.120A.010 Department of ecology to adopt rules to implement California motor vehicle emission standards—Limitations—Advisory group—Exemptions.

(1) Pursuant to the federal clean air act, the legislature adopts the California motor vehicle emission standards in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, effective January 1, 2005, except as provided in this chapter. The department of ecology shall adopt rules to implement the emission standards of the state of California for passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles, and shall amend the rules from time to time, to maintain consistency with the California motor vehicle emission standards and 42 U.S.C. Sec. 7507 (section 177 of the federal clean air act). Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the department of ecology shall not adopt the zero emission vehicle program regulations contained in Title 13 section 1962 of the California Code of Regulations effective January 1, 2005. During rule development, the department of ecology shall convene an advisory group composed of industry and consumer group representatives. Any proposed rules or changes to rules shall be subject to review and comment by the advisory group, prior to rule adoption. The order of adoption for the rules required in this section shall include the signature of the governor. The rules shall be effective only for those model years for which the state of Oregon has adopted the California motor vehicle emission standards. This section does not limit the department of ecology's authority to regulate motor vehicle emissions for any other class of vehicle.

(2) Motor vehicles with a model year equal to or later than the first model year for which new vehicles sold to Washington state residents are required to comply with California motor vehicle emission standards are exempt from emission inspections under chapter 70.120 RCW.

(3) The provisions of this chapter do not apply with respect to the use by a resident of this state of a motor vehicle acquired and used while the resident is a member of the armed services and is stationed outside this state pursuant to military orders.

[ 2010 c 76 § 1; 2005 c 295 § 2.]

NOTES:

Findings—2005 c 295: "The legislature finds that:

(1) Motor vehicles are the largest source of air pollution in the state of Washington, and motor vehicles contribute approximately fifty-seven percent of criteria air pollutant emissions, eighty percent of air toxics emissions, and fifty-five percent of greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) Air pollution levels routinely measured in the state of Washington continue to harm public health, the environment, and the economy. Air pollution causes or contributes to premature death, cancer, asthma, and heart and lung disease. Over half of the state's population suffers from one or more medical conditions that make them very vulnerable to air pollution. Air pollution increases pain and suffering for vulnerable individuals. Air pollution imposes several hundred million dollars annually in added health care costs for air pollution-associated death and illness, reducing the quality of life and economic security of the citizens of Washington;

(3) Reductions of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources are necessary, and it is equitable to seek such reductions because reductions in greenhouse gas emissions have already been initiated in other sectors such as power generation;

(4) Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions made under this act should be credited toward any future federal, state, or regional comprehensive regulatory structure enacted to address reducing greenhouse gas emissions;

(5) Under the federal clean air act, the state of Washington has the option to implement either federal motor vehicle emission standards or California motor vehicle emission standards for passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles;

(6) Opting into the California motor vehicle standards will provide significant and necessary air quality benefits to residents of the state of Washington; and

(7) Adoption of the California motor vehicle standards will increase consumer choices of cleaner vehicles, provide better warranties to consumers, and provide sufficient air quality benefit to allow additional business and economic growth in the key airsheds of the state while maintaining conformance with federal air quality standards." [ 2005 c 295 § 1.]

Effective date—2005 c 295 §§ 1, 2, 7, and 11-13: "Sections 1, 2, 7, and 11 through 13 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [May 6, 2005]." [ 2005 c 295 § 15.]