This bill addresses the environmental concerns associated with 6PPD, a chemical used in tires that has been linked to the mortality of coho salmon due to its toxic byproduct, 6PPD-quinone. To phase out the use of 6PPD, the legislation imposes a temporary $5 fee on the retail sale of new replacement tires containing this chemical, along with additional mitigation fees starting in 2027 based on the tire's load rating. The bill establishes a timeline for the prohibition of 6PPD and any regrettable substitutes, defined as chemicals not considered safer by the Department of Ecology. It emphasizes the protection of aquatic species and aligns with Washington's goals for reducing toxic substances and recovering salmon populations.

Additionally, the bill introduces regulations for the certification and management of 6PPD-free tires, allowing the Department of Revenue to exempt certified tires from the mitigation fee if they meet specific certification requirements. It mandates the creation of a publicly accessible list of certified 6PPD-free tires and empowers the department to conduct testing and enforce compliance. The legislation also establishes a 6PPD mitigation account to manage the funds collected from the fees, which can be used for monitoring contamination and managing illegally dumped tires, while ensuring that a portion of the fees is allocated to waste tire removal and road maintenance. Overall, the bill aims to enhance environmental protection and public health by regulating the use of 6PPD in tires and mitigating its ecological impact.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70A.355.090, 70A.205.425, 70A.205.410, 70A.205.430