Ecology seeks comment on state's 'clean cars' regulation

OLYMPIA – The public is encouraged to comment on proposed updates to Washington’s rule for low emission vehicle (clean car) standards.

A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 7 in Lacey.

Washington’s clean cars regulation requires that many new vehicles meet California’s standards. The standards apply to 2009 and newer model year passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles (such as most vans and SUVs).

The Legislature requires Ecology to update Chapter 173-423 WAC (Low Emission Vehicles) when California changes its clean car regulations.

You can find the proposed updates on Ecology’s air quality rules web page. Ecology will accept comments through Nov. 14.

You may testify or submit written comments at a public hearing on Nov. 7. The hearing will start at 6 p.m. at Ecology’s headquarters at 300 Desmond Drive SE in Lacey.

You email your comments to AQComments@ecy.wa.gov.

You may mail comments to Neil Caudill, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600 or fax them to 360-407-7534.

The comments will be summarized in a document, along with Ecology’s responses. The proposed changes may be modified based on public comments. Ecology expects to adopt the updated rule by the end of 2012.