By Curt Augustine
For The Herald
A transition to clean vehicles could both spur the state economy and play a significant role in battling climate change. Washington policymakers are considering legislation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels by 20 percent by 2035, while catalyzing new investments in our state.
The legislation, House Bill 1110, has deep support across the state — among business groups, health professionals, local governments and environmentalists — because of the range of benefits this policy offers. A similar program in California, which the 12 automakers of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has supported since 2009, has reduced carbon emissions by more than 38 million tons, while spurring local economic development in that state. It is automakers’ hope that Washington will soon sign a clean fuels standard into law.
Auto manufacturers are already producing 38 zero-emission vehicles. While zero-emission vehicle sales have been encouraging in Washington, it still takes a concerted effort to move consumers to these newer vehicles. We applaud Gov. Jay Inslee’s actions to get more zero-emission vehicles and alternative fueling stations in the state, but more needs to be done as soon as possible if we are to achieve the state’s goals.
Having the infrastructure in place to support the use of clean cars — including electric and hydrogen charging stations across the state — is critical to selling these vehicle in higher numbers. A clean fuels standard would help accelerate the build-out of that necessary infrastructure by generating millions of dollars to invest in charging stations and fueling stations. These investments and the associated local clean energy jobs will be an economic boon for the entire state, a net gain felt in rural and urban areas. Using credit revenue from the clean fuels standard is a smart way to pay for building out an electrified network that will allow these cars to travel across the state.
People often need an economic motive to transition from traditional gas-fueled cars to the newer technology of low- or zero- emission cars, and so we support policies that incentivize the sale of these vehicles. Revenue generated from a clean fuels program can fund point-of-purchase rebates that can be used as down payments on zero-emission vehicles. This would provide assistance for lower-income consumers who can afford the monthly car payment, but do not have the cash on hand needed to cover their up-front cost. These rebates have been very successful in other states, such as California, Georgia and New York.
The bill is has passed in the state House and is now being considered by the Senate. Understandably, state policymakers will continue to examine how this bill will affect businesses. We want policymakers to understand that the auto industry wholeheartedly supports this bill because it will benefit businesses and the larger Washington economy while addressing pressing concerns about the environment and air quality.
We hope this bill will soon land on the governor’s desk and that we will be able to celebrate a major milestone in our continued effort to protect the environment by moving more consumers to energy-efficient vehicles.
Curt Augustine is senior director of policy and government affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
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