Chapter 173-424 WAC – Clean Fuels Program
We propose to update Chapter 173-424 WAC, Clean Fuels Program Rule. The rule aims to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in Washington.
This rulemaking will align the Clean Fuel Standard with ESSB 5447 (2023-2024), which promotes the production and use of low-carbon sustainable aviation fuels in Washington. Sustainable aviation fuel reduces emissions from aviation, which has been identified as one of the most difficult transportation sectors to decarbonize.
Our rulemaking will align with the law by codifying Dec. 31, 2023, as the deadline for us to accept sustainable aviation fuel pathways for credit generation under the Clean Fuel Standard. Cleaner fuels will generate more credits, thereby incentivizing the production of low carbon intensity sustainable aviation fuel.
This rulemaking may also consider other changes to strengthen or streamline the Clean Fuel Standard program, such as establishing requirements for a third-party verification program and refining the compliance and enforcement process. Read the full list of changes we're considering.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
Dec. 18, 2023
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
Dec. 18, 2023 – Fall 2024Public input & involvement
Draft rule language
Below are the most updated drafts of the rule language, released Nov. 26, 2024:
- November 2024 CFS draft rule language
- November 2024 rule changes summary (updated Dec. 4, 2024, with corrections)
The following links contain the initial draft rule updates, released Aug. 29, 2024:
Fourth public comment period (informal)
Nov. 26, 2024 – Dec. 13, 2024
Third public comment period (informal)
Aug. 29, 2024 – Oct. 3, 2024
Second public comment period
April 25, 2024 – June 7, 2024
First public comment period (informal)
Feb. 15, 2024 – March 24, 2024
Ecology's public meetings
| Date | Documents | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday Feb. 22, 2024 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
||
| Wednesday Feb. 28, 2024 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
Agenda Presentation |
Webinar recording 1 |
| Thursday May 2, 2024 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
Presentation | Webinar recording 1 |
| Wednesday May 8, 2024 10 a.m. – noon |
Presentation | Webinar recording 1 |
|
Wednesday |
Presentation | Listening session recording |
|
Monday |
Presentation | Webinar recording |
| Tuesday Sept. 12, 2024 10 a.m. – noon |
Presentation | Webinar recording |
| Thursday Sept. 26, 2024 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
Presentation | Webinar recording |
| Thursday Dec. 5, 2024 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
Presentation | Webinar recording |
| Wednesday Dec. 11, 2024 10 a.m. – noon |
Presentation | Webinar recording* |
* Ecology inadvertently began recording this webinar late and missed the opening slides of the presentation. The Dec. 5, 2024, recording linked above covers the same content and includes full information on the rulemaking timeline and updates to avoided methane crediting.
1 Webinar information:
Register for each webinar to get your meeting ID and passcode.
To hear the webinar better or to call in only, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 253‑215‑8782.
Proposed changes
This rulemaking may consider the following changes to strengthen or streamline the Clean Fuel Standard program:
- Update the deadline at which we must accept sustainable aviation fuel pathways for Clean Fuel Standard credit generation from Oct. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2023.
- Establish requirements for a third-party verification program for fuel pathway applications and data reports submitted by market participants.
- Update requirements to further encourage the production of low carbon intensity sustainable aviation fuels.
- Amend or refine the compliance and enforcement process for the Clean Fuel Standard.
- Update the rule language to:
- Improve clarity and readability
- Align the rule with guidance documents
- Correct errors
- Make miscellaneous improvements to program implementation
- Update book-and-claim accounting requirements for electricity and biomethane.
- Align the rule with Oregon and/or California low carbon or clean fuel program requirements.
We are not considering changing other main components of the program, including:
- Annual carbon intensity standards
- Tier 2 WA-GREET model
- Land use change factors
Related links
Contact information
Adam Saul
Environmental Planner
adam.saul@ecy.wa.gov
360-742-7998
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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.