OLYMPIA — Legislation to ensure the long-term sustainability of Washington state’s transportation infrastructure will be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee 4 p.m. Tuesday. 

Senate Bill 5726, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ramos (D-Issaquah), would replace the state’s shrinking gas tax revenue with a road usage charge (RUC) based on vehicle mileage. This approach aims to provide a more equitable and sustainable funding solution as the state transitions to cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. 

For decades, the gas tax has funded Washington’s transportation system. However, with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, gas tax revenue is decreasing. Currently, the gas tax generates $1.3 billion annually, accounting for more than a third of the state’s transportation budget. But a backlog in maintenance and preservation projects has left many of Washington’s roads and bridges in disrepair. 

Gas tax revenue is projected to drop by more than 70% by 2050, significantly reducing critical infrastructure funding. Without a RUC, the gas tax would need to nearly quadruple to $2 per gallon by 2050 to maintain current revenue levels. 

“Everyone agrees that we need better roads and infrastructure, but no one wants to face the hard truth about how we’re going to fund them,” Ramos said. “As fewer people pay the gas tax, we must find new solutions. The road usage charge ensures everyone, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive, contributes fairly to maintaining our roads. This long-term solution will take time to fully implement, but the groundwork must begin now so we’re ready to transition in the coming years.” 

Under this bill, Washington will gradually switch to the road usage charge system over the next decade, beginning with passenger vehicles. 

  • Phase 1 (2027-2029): Voluntary for electric and hybrid vehicle drivers, replacing the flat fee they currently pay. 
  • Phase 2 (2029-2031): Mandatory for electric and hybrid vehicles; voluntary for fuel-efficient gas vehicles (20+ mpg). 
  • Phase 3 (2031-2035): Gradual phase-in for all gas-powered vehicles. 

The RUC will begin at a rate of 2.6 cents per mile, adjusted periodically to match gas tax revenue. Drivers would self-report their odometer mileage with a verification process. A gas tax credit will ensure drivers pay either the RUC or the gas tax, but not both. 

Watch Tuesday’s hearing here.