Bill > SB5519

This bill establishes new regulations for ocean-going vessels to reduce environmental impacts from fuel combustion in Washington state waters. Beginning January 1, 2028, vessels will be prohibited from using marine gas oil or marine diesel oil with sulfur content exceeding 0.1 percent by weight in their auxiliary engines, main engines, or auxiliary boilers when operating in regulated waters. The bill requires detailed record-keeping for vessels, including information about fuel types, sulfur content, fuel switching procedures, and vessel movements. Vessels that cannot comply with the fuel requirements may be eligible to pay noncompliance fees, which will be directed to ports for electrification or emission reduction activities. The Department of Ecology is authorized to implement and enforce these regulations, with potential civil penalties of $10,000 per day for violations. The legislation aims to protect public health by reducing particulate matter emissions from vessels, recognizing that some pollution-reduction technologies can create additional environmental harm. The bill includes comprehensive definitions of vessel components and fuel types, and establishes a new regulatory framework for monitoring and controlling marine fuel emissions in Washington state waters.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5519&Year=2025&Initiative=false