Bill > HB1652

This bill aims to reduce environmental impacts from ocean-going vessels by implementing strict regulations on fuel sulfur content when vessels operate in Washington's regulated waters. Starting January 1, 2028, the bill will prohibit vessels from using marine gas oil or marine diesel oil with more than 0.1 percent sulfur content in their auxiliary engines, main engines, or auxiliary boilers. The legislation requires vessel operators to maintain detailed records documenting fuel types, sulfur content, and fuel switching procedures, and provides a mechanism for vessels that cannot immediately comply to pay noncompliance fees. The Department of Ecology will oversee implementation, collect fees to cover administrative costs, and can impose civil penalties of $10,000 per day for violations. Noncompliance fees collected will be directed to ports for electrification and emission reduction activities or deposited in an air quality improvement account. The bill's underlying rationale is to protect public health and the environment by reducing harmful particulate matter emissions from vessels, recognizing that lower-sulfur fuels produce fewer environmental impacts compared to alternative pollution reduction technologies. The legislation is formally known as the Salish Sea Protection and Marine Clean Fuels Act.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1652&Year=2025&Initiative=false