The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) “Alternative jet fuel” means a fuel that can be blended and used with conventional petroleum jet fuels without the need to modify aircraft engines and existing fuel distribution infrastructure, and that have a lower carbon intensity than the applicable annual carbon intensity standard in Table 2 of WAC 173-424-900, as it existed on July 1, 2023. Alternative jet fuel includes jet fuels derived from coprocessed feedstocks at a conventional petroleum refinery.

(2) “Carbon dioxide equivalents” has the same meaning as defined in RCW 70A.45.010.

(3) “Carbon intensity” means the quantity of life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, per unit of fuel energy, expressed in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule (gCO2e/MJ).

(4) “Clean fuels program” means the requirements established under this chapter.

(5) “Cost” means an expense connected to the manufacture, distribution, or other aspects of the provision of a transportation fuel product.

(6) “Credit” means a unit of measure generated when a transportation fuel with a carbon intensity that is less than the applicable standard adopted by the department under RCW 70A.535.025 is produced, imported, or dispensed for use in Washington, such that one credit is equal to one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalents. A credit may also be generated through other activities consistent with this chapter.

(7) “Deficit” means a unit of measure generated when a transportation fuel with a carbon intensity that is greater than the applicable standard adopted by the department under RCW 70A.535.025 is produced, imported, or dispensed for use in Washington, such that one deficit is equal to one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalents.

(8) “Department” means the department of ecology.

(9) “Electric utility” means a consumer-owned utility or investor-owned utility, as those terms are defined in RCW 19.29A.010.

(10) “Greenhouse gas” has the same meaning as defined in RCW 70A.45.010.

(11) “Military tactical vehicle” means a motor vehicle owned by the United States department of defense or the United States military services and that is used in combat, combat support, combat service support, tactical or relief operations, or training for such operations.

(12) “Motor vehicle” has the same meaning as defined in RCW 46.04.320.

(13) “Price” means the amount of payment or compensation provided as consideration for a specified quantity of transportation fuel by a consumer or end user of the transportation fuel.

(14) “Regulated party” means a producer or importer of any amount of a transportation fuel that is ineligible to generate credits under this chapter.

(15)(a) “Tactical support equipment” means equipment using a portable engine, including turbines, that meets military specifications, owned by the United States military services or its allies, and that is used in combat, combat support, combat service support, tactical or relief operations, or training for such operations.

(b) “Tactical support equipment” includes, but is not limited to, engines associated with portable generators, aircraft start carts, heaters, and lighting carts.

(16) “Transportation fuel” means electricity and any liquid or gaseous fuel sold, supplied, offered for sale, or used for the propulsion of a motor vehicle or that is intended for use for transportation purposes.

Reviser’s note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

Effective date—2023 c 232 §§ 1-7: “Sections 1 through 7 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect July 1, 2023.” [ 2023 c 232 § 16.]

Intent—2023 c 232: “The legislature intends to use funds from the climate commitment act to promote the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels, thereby growing the clean energy sector, addressing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating family wage manufacturing jobs in Washington. Sustainable aviation fuels represent the most significant near and midterm opportunity for aviation to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The use of sustainable aviation fuels will also improve air quality for airport workers and communities surrounding airports. While many efforts are underway to advance the use of sustainable aviation fuels, this act is intended to assist and accelerate those efforts.” [ 2023 c 232 § 1.]

Automatic expiration date exemption—2023 c 232: See note following RCW 82.04.287.

Effective date—2022 c 182 §§ 313, 408-414, and 421: See note following RCW 82.21.030.

Intent—2022 c 182: See note following RCW 70A.65.240.

Severability—2021 c 317: See note following RCW 70A.535.005.