06/19/2008: "Only 2009 Model "Clean cars" Can Be Licensed"

Many new vehicles now must have more stringent pollution controls to be registered for use in Washington. Washington's state's new "clean cars" standards apply to 2009 model year passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles (such as most vans and SUVs).

Licensing Director Liz Luce said, "Before you buy a 2009 model vehicle outside our state, you should be careful to make sure it meets California emissions standards. If the vehicle doesn't meet the standards, it can't be licensed in Washington."

The standards don't apply to vehicles already owned by Washington residents. In 2005, Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington Legislature adopted California's auto emissions standards.

Since then, the departments of Licensing and Ecology have worked with automakers, auto dealers and licensing agents to prepare for the new standards and for changes in vehicle licensing and registration.

Ecology Director Jay Manning said, "Having these standards will improve air quality in Washington, and prevent toxic threats from harming our citizens and the environment."

"We know that a major driver of Washington's economy is our incredible natural environment. It's a big reason people want to live and raise a family here. So these new standards are good news not only for our air quality, but for working families. By 2020, the new standards will have removed from our air the pollution equivalent of 200,000 cars," Gov. Gregoire said.

The standards are part of the state's effort to cut air toxics, climate-changing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and smog-forming emissions produced by cars and trucks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has blocked the greenhouse gas standards, but other emission standards will go into effect as scheduled.

Gov. Gregoire said, "I'm disappointed that the White House has so far blocked our ability to also reduce climate-changing carbon dioxide emissions in new cars. But we have gone to court to overcome the obstacle, and I believe we will prevail."