The Seattle Times reports on Washington State legislation, HB 1921, that proposes to create a mileage-based road use charge (RUC) program supplemental to the state’s gas tax. The bill would initiate the program in three phases between 2027 and 2035. Participation would initially be voluntary starting with EV and hybrid vehicle owners, but all types of passenger vehicles would eventually be enrolled in the program. Commercial trucks and other heavy vehicles would be exempt from participation. Drivers would self-report mileage on an annual basis, paying an initial rate of 2.6 cents per mile. Any state fuel taxes a driver pays would be credited against the RUC fees he or she owes.
The prime sponsor, House Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey (D-27), says the bill ensures that all drivers make a contribution to highway maintenance, and it will raise the funds needed to close the state’s transportation budget shortfall. He failed to move RUC legislation out of his committee during two previous legislative sessions but thinks the current bill will win support, “pointing to the number of new legislators, as well as lawmaker fatigue over continually dealing with inadequate transportation revenue and delayed projects.”
Washington State began working on an RUC Program in 2012. Information about the progress of RUC development and an analysis of HB 1921 can be found on the state transportation commission website. The House Transportation Committee held an initial hearing on the bill last Thursday, February 13.
KUOW also reports on the new RUC proposal.