FUND AND ENFORCE ENERGY FREEDOM ACT
Description: RCW 43.325 and 43.19.648 collectively mandate that all state agencies, to the extent determined practicable by the department of community, trade, and economic development by rules adopted pursuant to 35 RCW 43.325.080, are required to achieve forty percent fuel usage for operating publicly owned vessels, vehicles, and construction equipment from electricity or biofuel by June 1, 2013. Compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or propane may be substituted for electricity or biofuel if the department of commerce determines that electricity and biofuel are not reasonably available. By December 31, 2015, the state must, to the extent practicable, install electrical outlets capable of charging electric vehicles in each of the state’s fleet parking and maintenance facilities. These laws expire June 30, 2016. We propose extending this law’s expiration date to June 30, 2022 and provide funding to assist State agencies in the transition to alternative fuels.
Why This Should Be Supported: This law encourages state and local Washington governments to switch to electric or renewable bio-fuels for their fleets but minimal funds have been provided to assist state and local governments in achieving these goals. Given Washington governments account for roughly ??% of registered vehicles, this would have a huge impact both on reducing governments fuel costs, the public’s perception of and awareness of alternate fuel vehicles, and CO2 emissions.
Options:
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Estimated State Costs: $500,000 – $20,000,000 depending on the level of commitment.
Legislative Summary: Frank Chopp helped write this legislation. He suggested getting Jessyn and Joe Fitzgibbon’s support.
Steve Marshall also suggests these options which seem to play into this law relatively well. Maybe Governer emphasis and encouragement can help here by enforcing Presidential and Governor Executive Orders:
- Federal Executive Orders by Presidents Bush and Obama mandate EVs for federal fleets
- GSA is failing to implement the orders, using high charging station costs as its rationale
- State can help federal, state and corporate fleet managers to boost EV percentages, save money and reduce carbon emissions in a cost-effective way