April 16, 2025:  Washington Farm Bureau Stands Alone on passage of HB 1912 – Ag Fuel Exemption – Climate Commitment Act (CCA). Download and read these FAQ on HB 1912 – Ag Fuel Exemption – Climate Commitment Act compiled by Ag Coalition For WA HB 1912.

E2SHB passed the Senate this week 49-0. Here are some facts that you may find useful:

Q: What is HB 1912?

A: HB 1912 is a straightforward, bipartisan bill that keeps the on-road fuel exemption in place for folks in agriculture under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) through the end of 2029. That means farmers, ranchers, and haulers can keep doing what they do best—getting food where it needs to go—without getting hit with extra fuel costs. In addition, it allows the “special fuel” Propane to be exempt for “on-farm” usage for that same time period. It passed both the House (93–4) and Senate (49–0) with near-unanimous support. It’s got the full backing of nearly every ag group in the state.

Q: Why is this bill important for agriculture?

A: If HB 1912 hadn’t passed, the current exemption would’ve ended in 2027. That’s a problem for folks who rely on fuel to move cattle, haul hay, or deliver crops to town. This bill buys us time and stability so people can plan ahead instead of scrambling.

Q: What about propane and special fuels?

A: There’s been some talk that this bill takes away the propane exemption, but that’s just not true. In fact, HB 1912 improves what we had. Right now, propane is only exempt if it’s used to run a vehicle—like a forklift. But if you’re using propane to heat a hop dryer or a nursery, that’s not covered under current law.

HB 1912 changes that. It allows *all* propane both “on-road” and “on-farm” to be exempt until 2030. After that, it goes back to just vehicle use unless we pass something more permanent. So we’ve actually gained ground here—and we’ve got time to keep pushing for a better, lasting solution.

Q: Who benefits from HB 1912?

A: This helps everyone up and down the rural supply chain—farmers, ranchers, local co-ops, custom harvesters, fuel haulers, and ag retailers. If you depend on affordable fuel to keep your operation running, this bill’s for you.

Q: What does the bill do beyond extending the exemption?

A: HB 1912 makes it easier to find exempt fuel and to work with your local seller.

Here’s what it does:
– Requires the Department of Ecology to put out a public list by October 1, 2025, showing where exempt fuel is available.
– Lets sellers voluntarily sign up to be listed—nobody’s forced to do anything.
– Encourages more folks to offer exempt fuel by allowing different pricing or payment options through things like fuel memberships or aggregators.

Q: Does the bill create more red tape for producers?

A: Not at all. This bill is about clearing things up, not piling on more paperwork. It aims to make the system easier to use, not harder.

Q: Does HB 1912 cut the funding for the farm fuel rebate program from $30 million to $3 million?

A: Funding for the program is unrelated to the budgeted amount for ag fuel rebates. In a completely separate conversation among budget writers, due to the low usage of the $30 million pot of money reserved for rebates, legislators were pondering reducing the budget allocation to $3 million (regardless of whether 1912 passes or not).

Q: How does HB 1912 support rural communities?

A: By keeping costs down for the folks who grow our food and raise our livestock, this bill helps keep rural communities alive and kicking. It protects jobs, supports local stores and suppliers, and helps keep food moving from the field to the dinner table.

Download the FAQ on HB 1912 – Ag Fuel Exemption