In 2007, the Legislature adopted sweeping new requirements for local government fleets and set a very aggressive goal that all local fleets must be powered by renewable resources by 2015 to the extent “practicable.” Five years later, that deadline was extended to 2018.
In 2013, AWC worked with Sen. Ann Rivers to pass SB 5099, which clarified the responsibilities for local governments to meet this requirement. We secured support for a provision that exempted emergency vehicles (including police and fire) and utility vehicles. We also got clarifying language that the Department of Commerce (Commerce) was not to interpret this law to require replacement of fleet vehicles before the end of their useful life or retrofits of existing engines.
During rulemaking, Commerce convened an advisory committee to assess how cities and others would determine if alternative fuel vehicles were “practicable” for their needs. Ultimately, Commerce decided that they will collect compliance information only from the largest fuel users – those using more than 200,000 gallons per year. Those entities must report on their procurement practices. Smaller fuel users are expected to consider whether alternative fuel vehicles are practical. Commerce is providing tools to help smaller users make that determination, but there is no reporting requirement.
Commerce emphasizes that they are not looking to enforce performance under this requirement but, instead, view their role as providing technical assistance. Commerce will also potentially help cities access funding to address the new fleet requirements in the future.
The following is list of cities that Commerce currently intends to seek reporting information from:
- Bellevue
- Bellingham
- Everett
- Kent
- Renton
- Richland
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Yakima
Resources:
If you have questions about this process, the lead at Commerce is Alan Kwan, who can be reached at 360-725-3120 or alan.kwan@commerce.wa.gov.