Washington is close to opening a new incentive program for commercial fleet operators to transition trucks and other vehicles to models that run on electric or hydrogen power. Industry groups and climate advocates anxiously await the $126 million initiative. But the state lawmakers who championed it say itâs taken far too long to come online.
The transportation sector is the biggest driver of Washingtonâs carbon emissions. Exhaust from big trucks and buses makes up a disproportionate share of those emissions, and diesel air pollution can be especially unhealthy. To help combat this, the Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program, or WAZIP, is expected to launch in the spring.
âWe are very eager for WAZIP to launch as soon as possible,â said Leah Missik, the Washington legislative director for environmental advocacy group Climate Solutions. âWe know from the experience in other states and even from the experience of people whoâve been able to get clean trucks here in Washington that this program will help drivers and businesses save money, and it will benefit communities.â