OLYMPIA… As Sen. Matt Boehnke suspected, there is strong public support for legislation he has proposed to realign Washington’s vehicle-emissions rules with federal standards instead of California’s.
Today the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held a public hearing on the Kennewick Republican’s measure, which also aims to bring more accountability to state emissions standards. Of those registering their views online, 1,865 people indicated support for the bill, while 665 opposed it.
“This is a significant step toward realigning our state’s emissions standards,” said Boehnke, the committee’s ranking Republican member. “Since 2005, Washington has followed California’s vehicle emissions standards, but California is a massive state with a larger population and different challenges.
“Washington needs to chart its own course rather than simply following California. I figured a majority of people in our state would share that view, if my bill was allowed a public hearing, and the numbers we saw in committee confirm that.”
Under SB 5091, the Department of Ecology would be required to submit annual reports on the state’s progress toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Boehnke noted that would be a major improvement from the current biennial reporting system, which offers no data newer than 2019.
The bipartisan bill would not alter Washington’s greenhouse-gas reduction targets but seeks to improve transparency and accountability in meeting those goals.
Under the federal Clean Air Act, states may follow federal emissions standards or California’s more-stringent rules. Washington is among several states that have chosen the latter. In light of its smaller population and lower number of vehicles, Boehnke argues, Washington should not want to remain tethered to the California policy.
“This bill ensures consistency with the Clean Air Act while preventing Washington from adopting outdated California emissions standards,” he said. “Our emissions profile is vastly different, and we should have regulations tailored to our state’s unique needs.”
While SB 5091 did not receive committee approval before today’s 5 p.m. deadline for action on policy legislation, Boehnke is aware that bills remain in play until the Legislature adjourns for the year.
“I don’t know why the majority was reluctant to move this bill forward. Was it out of concern for Ecology, or a desire to mimic California, or something else? But I’m not letting go, because I believe most of the people are with me on wanting this change.”
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