Generating credits in the Clean Fuel Standard

The Clean Fuel Standard offers several opportunities to earn credits that may be sold for revenue, including producing or supplying low-carbon fuels and installing fueling infrastructure.

Fuel credits

Producers and suppliers of low-carbon fuels – fuels with a carbon intensity below the standard for that year – are eligible to generate credits in the Clean Fuel Standard. Examples of clean fuel providers include businesses or organizations that supply biofuels, own electric vehicle charging stations, or operate natural gas refueling stations.​

How to earn revenue from fuel credits

  1. Register in the Washington Fuels Reporting System (WFRS).
  2. If you are a fuel producer, you may need to apply for a fuel pathway to obtain a carbon intensity score.
  3. Report quarterly on energy usage and fuel volumes produced or sold in Washington.
  4. Credits are issued through WFRS.
  5. Decide to bank or sell credits. 
  6. Sell credits.
  7. Receive revenue.

Capacity credits

This crediting mechanism is designed to support installing more low-carbon fueling infrastructure, specifically DC fast charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Crediting for zero-emission vehicle infrastructure is based on the capacity of the hydrogen station or electric vehicle fast charging site minus the actual fuel dispensed.

Capacity credits are generated by those who own low carbon fueling stations installed after Jan. 1, 2023. These include:

  • DC fast charging – DC fast charging (DCFC) is the fastest of the three levels of charging available, making it ideal for traveling extended distances that require short recharge stops along the way. To help expand availability of these chargers, the Clean Fuel Standard offers credits to entities that install DCFS stations. Learn more about electric vehicle charging.
  • Hydrogen refueling stations – Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) could play a significant role in reducing Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions. Those entities which install infrastructure to support growth of this technology may earn credits under the Clean Fuel Standard. Learn more about fuel cell electric vehicles.

More information about applying for these credits is coming soon. 

Advance credits

Public entities may apply to borrow against future credit generation to purchase electric vehicles, such as ferries.

More information about applying for these credits is coming soon.