Legislation would tune up clean car bill

OLYMPIA – Emission standards for passenger cars and trucks should be more stringent, and Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, has proposed legislation to prevent Washington’s clean car bill implementation from stalling.

“Cars and trucks are one of the largest sources of air pollution in this state. We need to take proactive measures to reduce global warming pollution, starting with passenger vehicles,” said Rockefeller.

Rockefeller is sponsoring legislation, Senate Bill 5109, to make the California motor vehicle emission standards go into effect in a timely manner. In 2005, the Legislature approved measures to adopt the California clean car standards. Its implementation is dependent on Oregon adopting the California motor vehicle emission standards. Oregon has since done so. However, it is possible that Oregon could change its mind.

Rockefeller’s bill would ensure timely implementation by removing the contingency for Oregon to adopt similar legislation. According to Rockefeller, “We don’t want to risk any backsliding if Oregon were to change its commitment. This bill would safeguard Washington’s determination to move forward with cleaner cars and cleaner air.”

SB 5109 awaits a hearing before the Water, Energy & Telecommunications Committee.

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