CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION relating to the City’s participation in the State of Washington’s Clean Fuels Standard Program (“Program”) promulgated under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 70A.535.005; acknowledging and approving the City’s participation in the Program; and acknowledging the Interdepartmental Memorandum of Agreement Regarding City of Seattle Administration of Washington State Clean Fuel Standard Program.
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WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature promulgated the Clean Fuels Standard, Chapter 70A.535 RCW (“Program”), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through deployment of low-carbon and zero-carbon transportation fuel technologies; and
WHEREAS, the Program provides for the generation of Program credits (“Credits”) from the dispensation of low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels in transportation activities where a Credit represents one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent that would have otherwise been emitted when compared to the use of a fossil fuel such as gasoline or diesel; and
WHEREAS, the Program provides for the generation of Credits from infrastructure activities that support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation in Washington State such as zero-emission vehicle refueling infrastructure, including direct-current fast charging infrastructure and hydrogen refueling infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Program enables a private market for the selling of Credits to deficit-generators and users of transportation fuels not meeting a specified threshold for carbon emissions; and
WHEREAS, the Program has rules and requirements on how the Credits are generated, banked, traded, sold, and otherwise managed; and
WHEREAS, the City anticipates generating Credits under the Program that will be deposited into a single account identified on the Washington State Fuel Registration System and identified by the City’s federal employer identification number; and
WHEREAS, the Program requires that revenue generated by an electric utility under the Program must be spent on transportation electrification projects within the utility’s service area, with designated percentage amounts to be spent in neighborhoods not meeting United States Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards or designated by the State Department of Health as being disproportionately impacted; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Ecology is authorized to impose monetary or other sanctions, including a participant’s suspension from the Program, for the violation of Program rules; and
WHEREAS, administrative procedures need to be established for the City departments participating in the Program to work together effectively, maximize benefits from their participation in the program, and reduce the likelihood of violations and sanctions; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, THAT:
Section 1. The City’s participation in the Clean Fuels Standard established by Chapter 70A.535 of the Revised Code of Washington (“Program”) is consistent with the City’s Climate Action Plan (Resolution 31312) providing a coordinated strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting other community goals, including building vibrant neighborhoods, fostering economic prosperity, and enhancing racial and social justice.
Section 2. The City Council acknowledges and approves of the City departments’ participation in the Program, which will be administered by Seattle City Light and coordinated amongst all participating City departments.
Section 3. The City Council acknowledges the Interdepartmental Memorandum of Agreement Regarding City of Seattle Administration of the Washington State Clean Fuel Standard Program (“Memorandum of Agreement”) included as Attachment 1 to this resolution.
Section 4. The City Council acknowledges Seattle City Light’s role in transacting credits on behalf of other City departments consistent with subsection 21.49.130.B.4 of the Seattle Municipal Code and under shared understanding through processes outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement.
Adopted by the City Council on the ________ day of _________________________, 2024, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2024.
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President ____________ of the City Council
The Mayor concurred the ________ day of _________________________, 2024.
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Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2024.
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Scheereen Dedman, City Clerk
(Seal)
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Interdepartmental Memorandum of Agreement Regarding City of Seattle Administration of the Washington State Clean Fuel Standard Program