The bill aims to prohibit the state of Washington from adopting California's vehicle emissions standards by repealing existing statutory authority that directs the Department of Ecology to implement these standards. The legislature argues that significant federal and state actions have been taken to reduce transportation sector emissions, including new corporate average fuel economy standards, an executive order promoting electric vehicle sales, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides tax credits for zero-emission vehicles. Given these measures, the legislature believes that a state mandate on vehicle types is unnecessary for achieving emissions reductions.

To implement this change, the bill includes the repeal of RCW 70A.30.010 and RCW 70A.30.030, which pertain to the adoption of California motor vehicle emissions standards and greenhouse gas emissions disclosure, respectively. Additionally, a new section is added to chapter 70A.15 RCW clarifying that the Department of Ecology does not have the authority to adopt California's motor vehicle emissions standards. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2024.