Washington
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Tax Exemption
Beginning January 1, 2009, new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles that are dedicated AFVs are exempt from the state sales and use tax. Qualified vehicles must operate exclusively on natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or electricity, meet the California motor vehicle emissions standards effective January 1, 2005, and comply with the rules of the Washington Department of Ecology. In addition, all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles that utilize hybrid electric technology and have a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated highway fuel economy of at least 40 miles per gallon are exempt from state sales and use tax. This tax exemption expires January 1, 2011. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 82.08.809 and 82.08.813)
Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Demonstration Grants
The Vehicle Electrification Demonstration Grant Program is established within the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED), and administered by the Director of the CTED. Eligible applicants are state agencies, public school districts, public utility districts, or political subdivisions of the state. Grants may be awarded to projects involving the purchase or conversion of existing vehicles to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or battery electric vehicles for use in an applicant's fleet or operations; additional eligibility requirements apply. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.325.110)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Emission Inspection Exemption
Electric, compressed natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles are exempt from emission control inspections. HEVs that obtain a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of at least 50 miles per gallon of gasoline during city driving are also exempt from these inspections. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.16.015)
State Fleet Petroleum Reduction
State agencies must take all reasonable actions to achieve a 20% reduction in petroleum use in all state and privately owned vehicles used for state business by September 1, 2009. Strategies to achieve this goal include energy-efficient use of state resources and giving priority to the purchase and use of hybrid electric and other fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles (those that achieve a minimum of 30 miles per gallon and meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 2 emission standards). Additionally, beginning with the 2009 Model Year, vehicles sold in the state must meet more stringent emissions standards. Furthermore, the state is directed to support the growth of biofuel feedstocks and the blending and distribution of biofuels for use by state fleets and the public. (Reference Executive Order 05-01, 2005, and Executive Order 07-02, 2007)
Climate Change and Reduced Petroleum Dependence Initiative
Washington State has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state to 1990 levels by 2020. To reach this goal, the state will do the following: work to ensure that cars sold in the state meet stringent emissions standards, beginning with Model Year 2009 vehicles; work with farmers, entrepreneurs, fuel distributors, and retailers to ensure that biofuels feedstocks are grown in Washington; ensure that refiners, blenders, and distributors of biofuels create jobs in the state; and strive to make it possible for the public to purchase fuel blends that reduce dependence on imported oil.
The state legislature recognizes that accelerated development and use of clean fuels and clean vehicle technologies will reduce Washington's dependence on fossil fuels. To reduce this dependence, build a clean energy economy, and reduce climate impacts, the state will develop policies and incentives that include: transitional incentives for development of in-state clean fuels and fuel feedstocks, including biodiesel and ethanol from plant waste; reduced fossil fuel consumption by state fleets; and the development of new technologies for displacing petroleum with electricity, such as plug-in hybrids.
(Reference Executive Order 07-02, 2007)
Fleet Action Plan - Seattle
The Clean Green Fleet Action Plan (PDF 444 KB) aims to increase the use of alternative fuels, reduce fleet fuel use, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve the fuel efficiency of the City of Seattle's (Seattle's) fleet. Seattle's long-term intent is to have a fleet that is 100% clean and green, through the use of clean fuels and vehicles that have the highest fuel efficiency and the lowest emissions and meet the needs of Seattle's operations. The specific measures called for in the plan include a 5% reduction in the fleet’s annual fuel use by 2005 as compared to 1999. Download Adobe Reader
Point of Contact
Mark H. Brady
Clean Cities Coordinator
Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition
Phone (206) 689-4055
Fax (206) 343-7522
markb@pscleanair.org
http://pugetsoundcleancities.org/
