Senate OKs bill to toughen car emissions

OLYMPIA – A bill that would adopt most of California’s vehicle-emission standards, the toughest in the world, went to the governor Wednesday after the House passed an amended version that critics – and even its supporters – say may not be legal.

The House approved the bill 53-42 last month, but the Senate attached amendments to ease the impact on Washington car dealers. One amendment, for instance, bans purchase of cars from Idaho or elsewhere that don’t meet tough new standards. Another erases the California requirement that 10 percent of the new vehicles meet a zero-emissions standard.

The House concurred with the Senate’s changes in a 66-31 vote Wednesday, but only after debate from some Republicans who suggested that Democrats were backtracking.

When the Senate initially made the changes, House Transportation Chairman Ed Murray, D-Seattle, and other backers said that under federal law, Washington had only two options: to adopt federal standards or the tougher standards pioneered by California. The Senate essentially picked a third path, an amended version of the California code.

“I’m confused as to why it wasn’t OK two weeks ago and it’s OK today,” said Rep. Beverly Woods, R-Kingston. “I think that’s a legitimate question to ask.”

Gov. Christine Gregoire said Wednesday she would sign the bill.

The measure would take effect beginning with the 2009 model year and hinges on the neighboring state of Oregon also adopting the new standards.

The onus would be on auto manufacturers who produce the cars, SUVs and light trucks, and not on motorists to bring their current vehicles up to snuff. All new vehicles would need to comply with the standards by 2016.

California estimates that the tough new standards will cut emissions in cars and light trucks by 25 percent and in larger trucks and SUVs by 18 percent.

Many Republicans have rejected the notion that the change would have a measurable effect on pollution and said Washington lawmakers should never delegate their authority to California.

“This bill was unconstitutional when it passed the House because it turns our rulemaking process over to an unelected body of California bureaucrats,” said Rep. Toby Nixon, R-Kirkland. “Now it’s against federal law.”

The new standards require automakers to use better air conditioners, more efficient transmissions and smaller engines.

The bill would phase out emission inspections required every two years in Spokane, Clark, King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.