SB 6333 requires Washington's Department of Transportation to develop a statewide multimodal transportation plan every three years, starting in 2027. The plan must cover both state-owned infrastructure (highways, ferries) and state interests in other transportation modes (aviation, rail, ports, public transit), with specific focus on reducing congestion, improving safety, and integrating different transportation types. It mandates environmental reviews for potential impacts (like wetlands or air quality) and requires coordination with local governments and environmental agencies. The bill also adds new reporting requirements for the department to share plan details and progress with the legislature and financial management office annually. This directly affects the Department of Transportation and indirectly impacts local governments, transportation providers, and environmental agencies involved in planning.
SB 6240 redirects a portion of Washington's aviation fuel tax - specifically the amount exceeding $1.48 per barrel - to fund aircraft noise and air quality mitigation projects. This affects aviation fuel users (like airlines and airports) who pay the tax, with funds deposited into a new state account created by the bill. The key mechanism amends tax code to require 15% of the aviation fuel tax revenue above the $1.48 threshold to flow into this dedicated account. These funds will support state programs addressing noise pollution and air quality near airports. The bill does not change tax rates but reallocates existing revenue for targeted environmental mitigation.
HB 2306 allocates supplemental transportation funding for Washington's 2025-2027 budget, primarily directing $18 million from the carbon emissions reduction account toward electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. It prioritizes projects in multifamily housing, public locations, schools, and government facilities, requiring grantees to be local governments, tribes, or utilities. Specific allocations include $6.85 million for a sustainable aviation fuel initiative and $2 million for Snohomish County’s Paine Field research center. The bill mandates reporting on fund usage and coordination with state electrification programs, with tribal governments eligible for dedicated tribal electric boat grants.
SB 6005 allocates $13 million for community electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, prioritizing multifamily housing, public locations, schools, and government facilities, with $2 million reserved for federally recognized tribes. It also directs $4.9 million for tribal electric boat grants and $6.85 million to establish a sustainable aviation fuel institute in the Cascadia region. The bill requires projects to reduce emissions and mandates implementation by local governments, tribes, or utilities, with strict reporting on emissions impacts and coordination with state electrification programs. Funding must cover level-two or higher charging infrastructure, including site improvements, and cannot exceed 100% of project costs.
SB 5989 changes how Washington State distributes revenue from aircraft fuel taxes. Starting July 2026, 0.5% of this tax (increasing to 1% after 2027) will fund the aeronautics account for aviation projects, while the remaining 6.5% minus that amount goes to the state general fund. The bill requires the Department of Transportation's aviation division to track and annually report on airport projects funded through this account, including state grants, federal matching funds, and local contributions. These reports must detail each project's description, funding sources, and outcomes for the legislature. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and mandates ongoing transparency about how these funds support airport infrastructure.
HB 2592 directs that taxes collected on aircraft fuel must be deposited directly into the state's aeronautics account, rather than other designated funds. This bill specifically amends Washington’s tax code (RCW 82.21.030) to redirect proceeds from the aircraft fuel tax - defined under RCW 82.42.010 - to the aeronautics account, as established in RCW 82.42.090. The policy change affects entities purchasing or selling aircraft fuel within Washington, ensuring these tax revenues fund aviation-related programs. It does not alter the tax rate or create new taxes, only specifies where existing aircraft fuel tax revenue is allocated. This is a technical adjustment to existing tax code, not a new funding mechanism.
HB 2322 creates tax credits for businesses producing low-carbon alternative jet fuel (sustainable aviation fuel) in Washington state, targeting companies that meet specific emissions standards. The bill sets a clear timeline: tax credits begin on July 1, 2031, and expire June 30, 2046, providing certainty for long-term investments. Credits range from $1 to $2 per gallon based on emissions reduction (minimum 50% lower than conventional jet fuel), available only to qualifying businesses in designated counties after the state verifies facilities meet a 20 million-gallon annual production capacity threshold. This policy aims to accelerate clean fuel adoption by reducing financial risk for developers.
SB 5932 provides certainty for low-to-zero carbon alternative jet fuel (sustainable aviation fuel) production in Washington by clarifying tax incentives and carbon accounting rules. It establishes a 0.275% tax on manufacturing and sales of alternative jet fuel, effective when facilities reach 20 million gallons annual capacity (or July 1, 2031 at the latest), and expires after nine years. The bill requires the Department of Ecology to allow specific carbon intensity calculations for electricity used in production, using the utility’s reported fuel mix rather than separate tracking. This directly affects fuel producers, processors, and utilities supplying energy to these facilities, reducing investment risks by creating a clear timeline for tax benefits.
SB 5898 directs that tax proceeds from aircraft fuel must be deposited into the state's aeronautics account (as defined in RCW 82.42.090), ensuring these funds support aviation-related programs and infrastructure. This bill does not change the tax rate or definition of aircraft fuel but modifies existing law to redirect these specific revenues. The change affects state budget allocations for aviation, with no impact on taxpayers or the tax calculation itself.
This bill removes excise taxes on unleaded aircraft fuel (defined as 100 octane fuel without lead) for both businesses and consumers who use it. It directly affects aircraft fuel dealers, distributors, and aviation operators (including air carriers and local service commuters) who purchase or use this specific fuel. Key provisions amend tax codes to exempt unleaded aircraft fuel from excise taxes under RCW 82.42.030 and create new exemptions in chapters 82.08 and 82.12. The tax exemptions expire on January 1, 2032, and apply only to commercially available unleaded fuel meeting the defined standard.
