(1) In recognition of the provisions of the
federal clean air act which require a minimum phase-in period of
three model years for adoption of California motor vehicle
emission standards, the implementing rules shall include a system
of early credits and banking for manufacturers for zero emission
vehicles produced and sold earlier than the implementation date
for the standards in Washington. Beginning with the model year
in which the new standards become effective, each manufacturer's
fleet of passenger cars and light duty trucks delivered for sale
in the state of Washington shall proportionately conform to the
zero emission vehicle requirements of Title 13 of the California
Code of Regulations, including early credit and banking
provisions set forth in Title 13 of the Code of California
Regulations using Washington specific vehicle numbers. A
manufacturer shall be given early Washington zero emission
vehicle credits proportionally equivalent to the zero emission
vehicle credits possessed by the requesting manufacturer for use
in the state of California on January 1st of the model year the
California standards become effective in Washington.
(2) In addition, an alternative means of compliance with the
requirements of subsection (1) of this section shall be created
in the implementing rules provided for in RCW 70.120A.010. The
alternative means of compliance shall allow a manufacturer to
earn Washington zero emission vehicle credits beginning with the
2005 model year. The alternative means of compliance shall be
developed to be consistent in concept with the alternative
compliance systems developed for the states of Connecticut, New
York, and Maine as they adopted the zero emission vehicle
provisions of the California motor vehicle standards and shall
contain a Washington multiplier consistent with the multipliers
in those systems. The implementing rules shall require timely
notification by the manufacturer to the department of ecology of
an election to use the alternative means of compliance.
[2005 c 295 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings -- 2005 c 295: See note following RCW 70.120A.010.