The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the clean fuels program by establishing stricter standards for reducing carbon intensity in transportation fuels. It mandates the Department of Ecology to adopt rules that require a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from each unit of fuel to 45 percent below 2017 levels by January 1, 2038, with a detailed schedule for annual percentage decreases. The bill also introduces compliance measures and penalties for regulated parties and credit generators, including consequences for misreporting and missed deadlines, while ensuring transparency through mandated analyses and forecasts of credit markets. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to align Washington's regulations with those of other states that have similar low carbon fuel standards and establishes a stakeholder advisory panel to promote greenhouse gas sequestration through agricultural and forestland activities.

In terms of legal language updates, the bill clarifies definitions and updates penalties related to environmental regulations, introducing the term "Registered party" for those registered under RCW 70A.535.070 and expanding the definition of "Transportation fuel" to include electricity and other fuels for motor vehicle propulsion. It also reenacts and amends RCW 43.21B.110 to specify the jurisdiction of the hearings board for appeals from environmental and health department decisions. The bill increases maximum fines for environmental law violations and clarifies penalties for hazardous air pollutant releases. Furthermore, it establishes a clean fuels program account to manage fees collected, ensuring funds are dedicated to program implementation, and includes a severability clause to maintain the act's effectiveness if any provision is invalidated.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.535.025, 70A.15.3150, 70A.15.3160
Substitute Bill: 70A.535.025, 70A.15.3150, 70A.15.3160, 70A.535.130
Second Substitute: 70A.535.025, 70A.15.3150, 70A.15.3160, 70A.535.130
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.535.025, 70A.535.060, 70A.15.3150, 70A.15.3160, 70A.535.130
Session Law: 70A.535.025, 70A.535.060, 70A.15.3150, 70A.15.3160, 70A.535.130