WA lawmakers consider raising carbon standards for fuel

Washington lawmakers are poised to make significant changes to carbon standards for fuels used in cars and trucks, with House Bill 1409 proposing a more aggressive reduction target of 45% below 2017 levels by 2038. Supporters argue that these stricter standards are crucial for environmental protection and align with the state's climate goals. In contrast, critics worry that the new regulations could exacerbate already high gas prices, which are among the highest in the country. Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon articulated the importance of updating the Clean Fuel Standard to encourage clean fuel development.

Testimony from the Department of Ecology indicates that while the program has spurred alternative fuel production, it has also created an oversupply of credits, leading to a low credit price that undermines further investment in decarbonization. Leah Missik from Climate Solutions warned that without stringent standards, Washington risks losing its competitive edge in the clean fuel market to states like Oregon and California. Business groups caution that the impact of the Clean Fuel Standard is minimal now but will grow as regulations tighten. The Western States Petroleum Association estimates that the proposed changes could add between four to 25 cents to the price of gasoline.