The bill aims to amend Washington's motor vehicle emission standards by establishing a more flexible approach that does not require the adoption of California's emission standards. It introduces a new section that mandates the Department of Ecology to create rules for motor vehicle emission standards that align with the federal Clean Air Act, while explicitly prohibiting the adoption of California's standards. Additionally, the bill updates existing regulations regarding vehicle registration and emissions testing, including changes to the validation period for compliance certificates and the criteria for vehicle exemptions from emission tests.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the previous requirement for the Department of Ecology to adopt California's motor vehicle emission standards, thereby allowing Washington to tailor its approach to emissions in a way that better suits its unique needs and economy. The amendments also clarify the conditions under which vehicles can be registered, emphasizing compliance with state emission standards without the necessity of California certification. Overall, the legislation reflects a shift towards a more localized strategy for managing vehicle emissions in Washington.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.16A.060, 46.37.470