Washington Lawmaker Proposes Road Usage Charge to Replace Gas Tax

Washington State is moving forward with a proposed road usage charge (RUC) system to replace the declining gas tax, as outlined in House Bill 1921, introduced by Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey. The RUC system would initially be voluntary and phased in over the next decade, starting with electric and hybrid vehicles by 2029, and requiring all vehicles with 20 miles per gallon or more to participate by 2035. The proposed rate is set at 2.6 cents per mile, adjusted to match gas tax revenues, with drivers self-reporting their mileage. Transportation officials, including Reema Griffith, emphasize the need for this shift due to declining gas tax revenues, projected to drop significantly as vehicle efficiency improves and the state transitions to electric vehicles. The implementation aims to create a fairer system that aligns with modern vehicle use and addresses equity issues tied to the current gas tax. A public hearing on the legislation is scheduled, indicating ongoing discussions on this significant transportation funding change.