Washington State has several programs, incentives and regulations related to conservation and sustainability.
The SCCD is continuing to update these pages with additional information.
Please continue to check this pages for new information as it becomes available.
Farming:
State Revolving Funds Loan Package This program offers low interest loans for eligible producers to fund environmentally friendly farm practices, such as direct seeding operations and straw removal alternatives. The funds are made available by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Tax Exemption on Fuel Farm fuel users are exempt from the sales and use tax on diesel fuel used in farming operations (equipment, vehicles and airplanes).
Tax Exemption on Repairs The state provides a sales and use tax exemption for replacement parts used in farm machinery and equipment.
Dairies and Livestock:
Dairy Producer AssistanceThis program offers technical assistance, low interest loans, and cost-share assistance for eligible dairy producers to assist in the certification of a Dairy Nutrient Management Plan and the implementation of that plan. Implemented as part of the Dairy Nutrient Management Act, the goal of the program is to protect the quality of Washington’s water resources. Additional information is currently available through the State Conservation Commission.
Livestock Technical Assistance The Washington State Legislature has appropriated $1.6 million to the Conservation Commission for Conservation Districts to provide livestock technical assistance to landowners. There is an additional $2.5 million in the Capital Budget for livestock landowner costs/share. Program details are still being developed.
Tax Exemption for Manure Management Practices A sales and use tax exemption is available to eligible entities, such as dairies with certified farm plans and animal feeding operations, for the implementation of manure management practices, including the installation of anaerobic digesters.
Conservation:
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) This program provides incentives to restore and improve salmon and steelhead habitat on private land. Under the program, landowners voluntarily remove land from production and grazing for 10 to 15 years and plant trees and shrubs to stabilize stream banks. In return, landowners receive annual rent, incentive and maintenance payments, and cost-share for installations. It is a joint partnership between the State of Washington and USDA, and is administered by the Washington State Conservation Commission and the Farm Services Agency (FSA).
Water Quality
Phosphorus in Dishwashing Detergent Banned In 2006, the Legislature established a ban on phosphates in dishwashing detergent. House Bill 2322, sponsored by Spokane-area Legislator Timm Ormsby, prohibits the sale of dishwashing detergents containing 0.5 percent or more phosphorus by weight. The prohibition takes affect in Spokane, Clark and Whatcom Counties in 2008 and across the state in 2010.
Alternative Fuels and Vehicles:
Biodiesel and Ethanol IncentivesIn 2003, the Washington State Legislature and Governor Locke implemented a package of incentives for the production and use of biodiesel and ethanol fuels in Washington State.
Minimum Renewable Fuel Content RequirementAt least 2% of the total annual diesel fuel sold in Washington must be biodiesel fuel, starting no later than December1, 2008. At least 2% of the total annual gasoline sold in Washington must be ethanol, starting no later than December 1, 2008.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Licensing A new mode of transportation is now available to Washington State residents. In 2003, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) became street legal on roadways of 35 miles per hour or less.
Emissions Testing Exemption Electric, natural gas and propane vehicles are exempt from emission control inspections. Effective June 13, 2002, hybrid motor vehicles that obtain a rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of at least 50 miles per gallon of gas during city driving are also exempt from these inspections. (Reference RCW 46.16.015)
Fuel Tax Exemption for Propane and Natural Gas Vehicles Washington State offers a state highway fuel tax exemption for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Owners of CNG and LPG powered vehicles are required to pay an annual fee, based on gross vehicle weight, instead of motor fuel excise taxes.
Washington State NRCS Farm Bill Programs and Services
