Hydrogen fuel cell cars may become more common in Washington if the state approves a tax break similar to electric vehicles. | Adobe Stock
Hydrogen fuel cell cars may become more common in Washington if the state approves a tax break similar to electric vehicles. | Adobe Stock
A bill pre-filed for the 2021 legislative session by Sen. Brad Hawkins (R-East Wenatchee) would create a pilot project in Washington to cut sales tax on fuel-cell electric vehicle purchases.
The bill has close to 20 co-sponsors in bipartisan support, the Senate Republican Caucus reported in December. The pilot project would run for eight years.
Hawkins succeeded with a bill in 2019 that allowed public utility districts to produce and sell renewable hydrogen. This new proposal gives hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles a sales tax exemption similar to electric vehicles.
“In our efforts to promote carbon-free vehicles, our state policies should be ‘technologically neutral’ so that we can give ourselves varied opportunities to reduce emissions and not unintentionally bias ourselves in the process,” Hawkins said, the Senate Republican Caucus reported.
Hydrogen fueling stations are expected to be operational in Washington by 2022. Hawkins’ bill would enable 650 vehicles to get a 50% sales tax exemption in fiscal years 2023 through 2029, the caucus reported.
Douglas County PUD has plans to use surplus hydropower to create hydrogen, separating hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water. It may also build fueling stations.
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