The first batch of data for the new Washington Clean Fuels Standard (CFS) has been made available by the Washington State Department of Ecology. So far, Ecology has published:
- Credit transfer reports for the months of July and August
- Credit and deficit data for the Q1 2023 reporting period
Credit Transfer Reports for July and August 2023
No credits were transferred in July after technical issues with the Washington Fuel Reporting Systems triggered a one-month delay in the first issuance of credits. However, 27,055 credits were transferred in August. The average price from the four reported trades was $106.66. The price of Washington CFS credits was about midway between those reported in CA ($77) and OR ($137) during the same month. Credits from one program cannot be sold in another.
Q1 2023 Credit and Deficits
Ecology reported 275k credits generated and 227k deficits generated, a net credit build of about 47k credits. Entities with compliance obligations do not have to retire credits until next year, and credits do not expire so they may be held indefinitely by market participants.
The largest source of credits was ethanol (75%), followed by renewable diesel (12.1%), biodiesel (11.8%), and electricity (10.8%). Credits from residential EV charging, which are separately calculated and issued by Ecology, have not yet been issued for Q1 or Q2.
The deadline for reporting fuel consumption for the Q2 2023 reporting period is today. Ecology has not yet set a publication schedule for reporting quarterly credit and deficit data.
What’s Next for the Washington CFS?
Ecology will create a zero-emission vehicle infrastructure or “capacity credit” program for public DC fast-charging and hydrogen refueling stations. Stations approved under this program may generate CFS credits based on the fueling capacity of those stations. Guidance on this program is expected to be released before the end of the year.
Ecology must also address the inclusion of alternative jet fuel pathways in the CFS after the passage of SB 5447. A rulemaking may be initiated as soon as this year or early next year.
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