Photo 118283810 © Oksanaphoto | Dreamstime.com
66ad274293894385038df71d Dreamstime Xxl 118283810

Washington climate legislation faces trucking backlash

Aug. 5, 2024
Washington’s Climate Commitment Act grants a five-year exemption to fuel used for agricultural transportation—but the fuel cost for fleets to move agricultural goods is rising regardless.

Washington’s Climate Commitment Act is facing backlash from the state’s trucking industry.

The CCA introduces a statewide emissions reduction program. Fuel used in agricultural transportation is supposed to be exempt from the program for the first five years—but, after the legislation, fuel costs skyrocketed for fleets moving agricultural goods. Fuel suppliers introduced fuel surcharges in response to the Act that did not exclude agricultural transportation.

“It inflated all of our costs,” Brian Hildebrant, a safety compliance officer for a refrigerated transportation company in Washington, told FleetOwner.

After a court shot down the Washington Trucking Associations’ petition for review of the Act’s execution, the trucking industry is looking to a November ballot to ease the strain of fuel suppliers' climate legislation surcharges.

Agricultural fuel use exemptions

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe | Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Guide To Boosting Technician Efficiency

Learn about the bottom line and team building benefits of increasing the efficiency of your technicians in your repair shop.

The Ultimate Trailer Tracking Technology Checklist for Enterprise Fleets

We understand the challenges you face in consolidating inventory, reducing theft, and tracking revenue. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate checklist to help you evaluate your...

Discover 4 Easy Ways to Level-Up Efficiency with Trailer Telematics

In today's competitive landscape, gaining an edge is vital. That's why top fleets are utilizing trailer telematics to boost efficiency and we've captured their secrets. Introducing...

The Future of Mirrors is Closer Than it Appears

Why Mirror Camera Systems are the next step for fleet safety and exoneration While many commercial trucking cameras are similarly marketed, they are not all created equally. The...