Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard is the little engine that could: taking on the enormous challenge of reducing stubborn transportation pollution and funneling major investments towards cleaner fuels statewide. It requires transportation fuels (e.g. gas and diesel) used across the state every day to become cleaner over time, while also incentivizing low-carbon biofuels and electric transportation options while expanding electric vehicle charging. In 2025 the State Legislature made this standard even stronger. It's one of the most cost-effective and high-impact climate programs we have.
A report from the Department of Ecology earlier this month shows the Clean Fuel Standard is quietly crushing it, lowering climate pollution by 3 million tons and generating over $67 million for clean fuels innovation and community investments in 2024 alone. To put it into perspective, these results are more than triple the pollution reductions required under the program and are the equivalent of taking about 10% of Washington’s gas-powered cars off the road for an entire year.
Plus this program means more money is flowing to new investments in clean transportation. In March, Puget Sound Energy awarded $7.2 million in grants funded entirely by the Clean Fuel Standard. One beneficiary was a local non-profit that received an electric van to serve their community. Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller said this grant program is a great example of Washington’s climate policy working stating, “This policy is delivering real benefits to real people [by] funding innovative projects that reduce emissions while also expanding access to essential services, lowering costs for communities and businesses, and improving public health.” You can read more and access the full report on Ecology’s website here.
This month’s glowing report isn’t the only good news in the clean fuels arena: our Oregon team just marked 10 years of a successful Oregon Clean Fuels program earlier this year. And with our region’s reliance on fossil fuels top of mind, celebrating our wins is key to our continued progress.
