S-0846.1
SENATE BILL 5519
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senators Lovelett, Dhingra, Frame, Lovick, Nobles, Saldaña, Salomon, and Valdez
Read first time 01/27/25. Referred to Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology.
AN ACT Relating to reducing environmental impacts associated with the operation of certain ocean-going vessels; reenacting and amending RCW 43.21B.110 ; adding a new chapter to Title 70A RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that the combustion of liquid fuels used by vessels transiting waters near Washington releases particulate matter that is harmful to human health on ship and on shore, and to the environment. Some technologies designed to reduce air pollution generated by vessel fuel combustion produce different harms to the environment. The legislature further finds that lower-sulfur fuels have fewer harmful emissions associated with their combustion, and do not require the use of onboard technologies that have harmful environmental impacts.
(2) Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to protect the public health and environment of Washington residents by requiring ocean-going vessels to use low-sulfur fuels when approaching Washington shores.