Lawmakers OK bill with goal to phase out new gas vehicle sales in Wash. state by 2030
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Lawmakers have passed a bill that includes a goal of sharply reducing the number of new gas-powered vehicles in Washington state starting in 2030, if certain conditions are met.
If signed by Gov. Jay Inslee, the Clean Cars 2030 initiative would make Washington the first state to include tangible goals that could drop the number of new gas car sales - five years ahead of planned gas vehicle bans in California and Massachusetts.
It would also make Washington the first state to ban gas-powered vehicle sales through a bill passed by lawmakers, rather than by executive order - which would make it harder for future governors to undo.
The bill, which passed by a vote of 25-23 in the state Senate and a vote of 54-43 in the House, would require state utilities to prepare for an electric vehicle future, which sufficient charging stations to support a dramatic increase in non-gas vehicles.
Under terms of the bill, the sale, purchase, or registration of non-electric vehicles ll passenger cars of model year 2030 or later registered in the state will be electric provided that the state adopts a road usage charge and at least 75 percent of the registered passenger vehicles in the state are participating in the program.
The legislation does allow for the target to be adjusted, however.
The measure would only take effect if the state approves a tax on vehicle miles traveled, which would help pay for new transportation infrastructure in the state.
