The bill amends 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 legislation also introduces compliance and penalty measures for regulated parties and credit generators, including penalties for misreporting and failure to meet deadlines, while emphasizing stakeholder input to align Washington's standards with those of other states.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to environmental regulations, introducing the term "Registered party" for those registered under RCW 70A.535.070, and expands the definition of "Transportation fuel" to include electricity and gaseous fuels. It reenacts and amends RCW 43.21B.110 to specify the jurisdiction of the hearings board for appeals related to environmental decisions. The bill also increases penalties for environmental violations, establishes a clean fuels program account for managing fees, and includes a provision ensuring the act's validity even if parts are found invalid.

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