The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the clean fuels program by establishing new standards aimed at reducing carbon intensity in transportation fuels. It mandates a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 55 percent below 2017 levels by January 1, 2038, with a phased approach that starts with a maximum reduction of 0.5 percent per year in 2023 and 2024, escalating to a maximum of four percent annually from 2028 to 2038. The bill clarifies that transportation fuels exported from Washington are exempt from these reduction requirements. Additionally, it introduces compliance measures and penalties for violations, including significant fines for non-compliance and misreporting, while the Department of Ecology will oversee credit markets and compliance.

In addition to the clean fuels program updates, the bill revises penalties and procedures related to environmental regulations. It includes the insertion of "or" in the applicable chapters under RCW 70A.15.3150, while deleting references to chapter 70A.535. The bill establishes a maximum fine of $10,000 and a maximum imprisonment of 364 days for gross misdemeanors, along with a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day for violations. It also ensures that if any provision of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still stand. The bill creates a clean fuels program account to manage fees collected from participants, ensuring that these fees do not exceed the costs of program implementation, thereby strengthening environmental compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

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