Washington Senate Bill 5898 proposes redirecting tax revenues collected on aircraft fuel — specifically from the hazardous substance tax, petroleum products tax, and oil spill response tax — into the state aeronautics account, which is dedicated exclusively to aviation-related purposes. Supporters argue the change is needed to comply with federal Airport Grant Assurance requirements and to better fund Washington's airports, which contribute over $107 billion in business revenue and 410,000 jobs statewide. Opponents warn the shift could drain funding from the Model Toxics Control accounts that support environmental cleanup programs benefiting local governments and tribes.Open full document
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A Washington State Senate bill report analyzing SB 5898, which would direct all proceeds from hazardous substance tax, petroleum product tax, and oil spill response tax on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account. The report includes background on aviation fuel taxes, committee testimony, and analysis of impacts on environmental cleanup funding.