Public policies - whether they are at the state or federal level - can have a significant impact on the ways each sector can make the switch to cleaner transportation options. 

Several climate and transportation policies were passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2020 and 2021 that will promote low-carbon fuels and reduce communities’ exposure to diesel pollution.

• Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate 
  • Starting with model year 2026, the ZEV Mandate will require an increasing percentage of vehicles sales in Washington be zero-emission vehicles. 
  • All new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and passenger medium-duty vehicles must be zero-emission by 2035.
  • An increasing percentage of medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicle sales in Washington must also be zero-emission. Depending on vehicle class, 40-75% of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles are required to be zero-emission by 2035.  
• Clean Fuel Standard
  • Starting in 2023, the Clean Fuel Standard will require transportation fuels' carbon intensity to reduce by 20% (below 2017 levels) by 2038.
  • The standard uses a market-based system of credits and deficits to encourage the transition to cleaner transportation fuels, such as electricity and biofuels.
• Climate Commitment Act
  • Starting in 2023, entities - including fuel suppliers - responsible for producing more than 25,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases per year must limit and reduce their emissions over time.
  • Railroad companies will be covered by the program in 2031.
  • At least 35% of the funds generated by the program must be invested in "overburdened communities" in Washington.