Stakeholders weigh in on bill to repeal California vehicle emission standards in Washington state

Washington state lawmakers are considering a bill that would delink the state from California’s vehicle emission rules, including Advanced Clean Trucks.

On Friday, Feb. 21, the Washington state Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee held a public hearing for SB5091. The bill would prohibit the state Department of Ecology from adopting California’s vehicle emission rules and would instead implement less strict federal standards.

Those opposing the bill include environmental groups, the state Department of Ecology and two organizations representing workers and companies building the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Despite testimony to the contrary, Alissa Burger, regional policy director at clean transportation nonprofit Calstart, claimed Advanced Clean Trucks will lower costs for trucking stakeholders.

“ACT will help bring down costs and is already doing so for manufacturers and fleet operators,” Burger said.