The bill aims to amend existing motor vehicle emission standards in Washington State by establishing a more flexible approach that does not require the adoption of California's stringent 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. This reflects the legislature's intent to balance the need for decarbonization in the transportation sector with the unique economic and environmental needs of Washington State.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding motor vehicle registration and emissions testing. It updates the validation period for compliance certificates from "twelve" months to "12" months and from "twenty-five" years to "25" years for certain exemptions. The bill also repeals a previous requirement for vehicles to have a California certification label for emissions standards, streamlining the registration process. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the state's ability to manage vehicle emissions while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

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