Pay-per-mile road usage charge bill introduced in Olympia

Washington State is poised to implement a transformative pay-per-mile road usage charge through House Bill 1921, introduced by House Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey. The bill aims to alleviate the state's reliance on the gas tax, which has been declining due to the rise of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles. Initially, the program will be voluntary for electric and hybrid vehicle owners, with a public hearing planned to discuss the proposal further. Over a decade, the transition will occur in three phases, ultimately making participation mandatory for all vehicles meeting specific fuel efficiency criteria. The charge is proposed at 2.

6 cents per mile, with provisions for annual odometer reporting and optional GPS tracking. This legislative move is seen as a fair approach to ensuring all drivers contribute to road maintenance based on actual usage. As the state grapples with evolving transportation needs, this initiative could redefine how infrastructure is funded. The bill underscores the importance of adapting to changing vehicle technologies while maintaining essential public services.