Chapter 173-423 WAC
and WAC 173-400-025 – Low Emission Vehicles
On November 29, 2021, Ecology updated two rules:
- Chapter 173-423 WAC, Low Emission Vehicles (title changed to Clean Vehicles Program) – adopting new California emission standards for zero emission vehicles
- Chapter 173-400 WAC, General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources – amending section 025, adoption by reference
Washington is expanding its program by adopting California’s more protective vehicle emission standards for new vehicles – starting with model year 2025 and later – sold in Washington. Motor vehicles are the largest source of air pollution in Washington. Transportation contributes about 22 percent of total air pollution and 45 percent of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the state.
We are also updating the adoption of federal rules by reference date in Chapter 173-400 WAC.
Rulemaking usually starts at the rule announcement phase. However, Ecology started this rulemaking at the rule proposal phase because the Legislature directed us to adopt California’s rules as written (RCW 70A.30.010).
Rulemaking timeline
Rule proposal phase (CR-102)
June 22, 2021
- Proposal notice – CR-102 form
- Proposed rule language
- Chapter 173-423 WAC – Low Emission Vehicles (proposing title change to Clean Vehicles Program)
- WAC 173-400-025 – Adoption of federal rules
- SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance and Environmental Checklist, Revised
Comment period
Comments were due by August 9, 2021. We accepted comments in the following ways:
- Attend a public hearing online (webinar):
- July 27, 2021, 1:30 p.m.
- July 29, 2021, 6 p.m.
- Mail to: Elena Guilfoil
Department of Ecology
Air Quality Program
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Public information sessions – RESCHEDULED
Date/Time: July 19, 2021, 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. recording of presentation
July 21, 2021, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. online webinar
Location: online (webinar)
Register for each webinar to get your access code.
To hear the webinar better, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 1-855-929-3239.
Agenda: Presentation, followed by question-and-answer session
Public hearing
Date/Time: July 27, 2021, 1:30 p.m. online webinar
July 29, 2021, 6 p.m. online webinar
Location: online (webinar)
Register for each webinar to get your access code.
To hear the webinar better, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 1-855-929-3239.
Agenda: Presentation, question-and-answer session, followed by public hearing
Accessibility: To request ADA accommodation for the public hearing, email Ecology’s ADA coordinator by July 13, 2021. Or call 360-407-6831, 711 (relay service), or 877-833-6341 (TTY).
Rule adoption phase (CR-103)
Nov. 29, 2021
Dec. 30, 2021
- Adoption notice — CR-103 form
- Adopted rule language
- Chapter 173-423 WAC – Clean Vehicles Program
- Chapter 173-400 WAC – General Regulations for Air Pollution Sources – amending section 025, adoption by reference
- Concise Explanatory Statement
- Rule Implementation Plan
- SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance and Environmental Checklist, Revised
Related links
Contact information
Adam Saul
Environmental Planner
adam.saul@ecy.wa.gov
360-742-7998
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Accessibility
To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.