Latest news with #WashingtonStateDepartmentofLicensing
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A promise fulfilled
May 21—OLYMPIA — Washington farmers were promised fuel exemptions from the state's Climate Commitment Act, and four years after its initial passage, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1912, which facilitates fuel exemptions for farmers under the CCA. "Washington's agriculture is among the best in the world because of the hard work of Washington farmers," Governor Ferguson said in a statement. "Our agricultural industries operate on thin margins, and they can't afford to pay unnecessary fees." The bill's sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, emphasized the necessity of the legislation as an important support mechanism for Washington's agricultural community, which continues to face mounting operational challenges. "The legislature promised our agricultural industry this exemption when the Climate Commitment Act was originally passed," Dent said. "It was time we honored that promise to make it easier for farmers to access lower-cost fuel and lower the costs of fuel for our farmers." History The Climate Commitment Act was signed into law in 2021, establishing stringent targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Within this broad environmental framework, the act included exemptions for agricultural producers and transporters regarding fuel-related fees. Currently, an agricultural producer can apply for a rebate run by the Washington State Department of Licensing for up to $4,500. That amount for many farmers was much less than they lost from the CCA fee. However, despite the available exemptions, accessing exempt fuel proved to be significantly complicated in practice. "The formula for figuring out the rebate program was so difficult and complicated for no reason, I know I am not the only person who couldn't figure it out," Dent said. Farmers found it challenging to navigate the complexities associated with obtaining exemption certificates, Dent said, exacerbated further by various logistical hurdles in the supply chain. "Farming is a tough place to be in," Dent said. "We put in an additional tax on farmers, which is just killing them. Even though we put together a rebate program, the rebate program wasn't working very well. It was difficult. It's hard to get people that are already up to their eyeballs busy to do something like that." Under the CCA, agricultural fuel users are exempt from compliance fees if they can provide the necessary documentation. This requirement, however, entailed a cumbersome application process that often deterred farmers from taking full advantage of the benefits, according to Dent. As a result, many farmers were left paying additional fees on their fuel purchases, further squeezing their already tight profit margins, Dent explained. This prompted calls for legislative action to simplify the process. "Most farmers don't sit on a computer every day," Dent said. "This was not necessarily easy for them to do. Some use more technology than others, but it still challenges them to do that, especially in a time where their time is so limited. The idea around this bill was to give them their ongoing exemptions for agricultural fuel that they don't have to pay. They don't have to pay the fee, the tax at all, now." Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, said she remembers fighting for the agriculture fuel exemptions in the Senate when the CCA was being passed. However, like Dent, she felt like the system that was in place was not working for farmers. "Part of that promise was that agriculture would not be impacted by the increase in gas prices or fuel prices," Warnick said. "That didn't hold true." New law House Bill 1912 addresses these barriers by mandating the Washington Department of Ecology to create a comprehensive online directory for retailers selling exempt fuel. The bill also clarifies which types of fuels — gasoline, diesel, biodiesel and propane — are eligible for exemption under the CCA. The exemption is extended for an additional two years, maintaining it until Dec. 31, 2029, enabling further access to a relief mechanism that many farmers have found essential. "Agriculture, it's very hard," Dent said. "To give them some relief on taxes, and then the whole idea was to get it where they wouldn't pay the tax and then get a rebate two or three or four months later. If it's 50 cents a gallon and you bought 20,000 gallons of fuel. It adds up quickly. We didn't want them to have to wait on that money." The legislation has been positively received across party lines, passing the House with a vote of 93-4 and the Senate unanimously. "Well, every little bit helps," Warnick said. "It really does. I think it depends on how many farmers actually apply for this or are paid for fuel usage. I'm hoping it'll have an easier impact than it has been. It was too difficult. It was kind of a complicated process, and so hopefully this will make it a lot easier." Dent noted that the bipartisan support stemmed from a collective recognition of the vital role agriculture plays in Washington's economy. The positive response from the agricultural community underscores the desire for collaborative solutions that support farmers and acknowledge their contributions, he said. "I'm excited because the legislature and governor have recognized the importance of agriculture and the fact that they really need the help," Dent said. "They need financial help, and we finally got it." As the bill establishes clearer guidelines for fuel exemptions, it is also designed to simplify the process for obtaining exempt fuel, thus alleviating some of the financial strain on farmers. Under the new structure, farmers will be able to reference the online directory created by the Department of Ecology to find local sellers of exempt fuel more easily—an approach that Dent said will directly benefit the agricultural sector. Looking forward While House Bill 1912 marks an important moment for Washington farmers, Rep. Dent expressed that this initiative is only the beginning. "I don't think I'm finished with this yet, but that being said, I need a year, and perhaps two years, to see how this thing unfolds," Dent said. "Now begins more work with and also the success of the Climate Commitment Act." He has plans to work on further improvements beyond the lifespan of this legislation, potentially extending exemptions indefinitely. "We have to keep the momentum going," Dent said, elaborating on the need for continuous legislative efforts to support agricultural producers in a rapidly changing economic environment. "Agriculture is a community endeavor, and it's imperative we fortify our systems to ensure they thrive." Another piece, Dent said, he would like to see returned is a fuel exemption for natural gas for the agricultural industry. "We use natural gas in different areas, like they use them in greenhouses and things like that," Dent said. "I would like that back there, too. You take small bites. Did I get everything I wanted? No, but I view it as a big win. We're just going to continue on to see if we can add to it." As various pieces of legislation intersect with agricultural practices, continued advocacy for farmer support remains paramount, he said. "This is not a new thing, and I think we have to be aware and support and strengthen our farm economy and our farmers, in general," Dent said. "One of the things that Franklin D. Roosevelt did, when he was president, that was when the cheap food policy came along. He put together a farm program to keep our farmers, hold our farmers up, keep them in business, because he knew how important it was that we grow our own food. I think it's really important that we grow our own food. We shouldn't depend on another country, when we have done it ourselves and can do it ourselves."
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
WA bill would require ‘egregious speeders' to install speed-limiting device in vehicles
A Washington state bill expected to be signed into law next week would require certain drivers convicted of excessive speeding to install a device in their vehicles that allows the state to monitor and control their speed. House Bill 1596, which has passed both the House and Senate, is scheduled to be signed into law Monday. The legislation targets 'egregious speeders,' such as repeat offenders and reckless drivers. State Rep. Mari Leavitt, the bill's primary sponsor, said the legislation was created after a deadly crash in Renton in 2024 involving a 17-year-old driver who sped through an intersection, colliding with another vehicle and killing a mother and three children. Two other children were injured. 'These are targeted to the most egregious speeders—think repeat offenders,' Leavitt said. 'It's a proven technology that's been used in a lot of different areas, including Europe, and the data shows it slows people down—literally and figuratively—because you simply can't go faster than it allows.' The legislation would require individuals to install an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) device if they have been convicted of reckless driving or have at least three moving violations, including one for speeding. The device limits the vehicle's speed and reports data to authorities. The Washington State Department of Licensing would oversee the program, which aims to reduce serious crashes by giving law enforcement and the courts a new tool to prevent dangerous driving behavior. 'It seems like a good idea,' said Sid Santiano, a local worker. 'The faster you go, the harder it is to avoid people. It's better to keep people capped if they're trying to speed somewhere.' Not everyone agrees. Ethan Cramer, who said he also opposes speeding, believes the bill doesn't address the root cause. 'The government should have no control over our personal property,' Cramer said. 'It doesn't stop someone from stealing another car and speeding again. Punishing offenders appropriately the first time would be a smarter approach.' Drivers required to use the ISA who are caught operating a vehicle without the device could face up to $5,000 in fines and potential jail time, Leavitt said. 'There will be consequences—pretty severe consequences—if they choose to drive without a speed limiter,' she said. 'And it applies to any vehicle they drive, not just their own.' If the bill is signed into law, it's expected to take effect no later than January 1, 2029.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
TSA warns thousands may face delays at Sea-Tac Airport ahead of REAL ID deadline
The Brief The federal REAL ID deadline is fast approaching, and the TSA is warning that thousands of travelers could face significant delays. Around 20% of travelers remain unprepared for the new identification enforcement, which is set to take effect on May 7. SEATTLE - With the federal REAL ID deadline set for May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is warning that thousands of travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and across the nation could face significant delays at security checkpoints if they're not properly prepared. By the numbers TSA estimates that while about 80% of air travelers nationwide are ready for the upcoming enforcement, the remaining 20% — roughly 500,000 people — may not be allowed through checkpoints without additional screening or alternative forms of identification. "Those numbers are real. Those delays will be real," said TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers. "We're going to work with the airlines and airport partners to try to minimize those delays." The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, sets security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards used for federal purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. Travelers 18 and older will need either a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved form of identification, such as a passport, active-duty military ID, Global Entry, or NEXUS card. According to Dankers, the TSA currently screens an average of 2.6 million passengers daily across the country. If 20% of travelers remain unprepared as they are projected to be, that equates to roughly half a million passengers nationwide who could be turned away or delayed. Dankers theorizes using those same numbers that if roughly 60,000 passengers were to travel through Sea-Tac Airport in a day, around 12,000 travelers could run into issues on May 7 if they haven't updated their identification. "I think we all know human nature is to procrastinate," Dankers said. "We're now at the point where there's no more time to procrastinate." The Washington State Department of Licensing reports a surge in demand for appointments as the deadline approaches. Officials suggest checking availability at DOL offices farther from home or visiting during off-peak hours, such as midday, to avoid long waits. The REAL ID deadline has been delayed several times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But federal authorities say the enforcement date of May 7, 2025, is final. Travelers are urged to check their identification now and upgrade to an enhanced driver's license or another acceptable credential if they haven't already done so. The Source Information in this story is from the Transportation Security Administration, the Washington State Department of Licensing and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Seattle woman arrested for pit bull attacks: 'Let him do his thing' FEMA denies $34M in funds for WA bomb cyclone relief, gives no explanation WSDOT shuts down 103-year-old bridge in Pierce County, WA Man accused in Seattle hate crime flips off cameras, storms out of courtroom Elephants react to San Diego earthquake, swarm around young Red Robin launching Bottomless Burger Pass for National Burger Month To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
USA Today
01-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former UFC champ Henry Cejudo mulling retirement after 'the worst injury I've had'
Henry Cejudo is still dealing with the after effects of the eye injury sustained in his UFC Fight Night 253 loss to Song Yadong, and it has served as a wake-up call. Cejudo (16-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) saw his main event with Song (22-8-1 MMA, 11-3-1 UFC) end in controversial fashion when an eye poke led to a lengthy break in the action late in the third round. The former two-division champion eventually continued and made it to the end of the frame, where he was unfit to keep fighting, resulting in a technical decision. Song was not deducted any points for his damaging fouls on Cejudo, which would've led to a draw on the scorecards. The eye pokers were not deemed intentional, either, which would've led to a no contest or disqualification win for Cejudo. Instead, he not only came out with a loss, but also lingering complications to his vision that have significantly altered his retirement timeline. 'I sound like a cry baby, but it's the worst injury I've had,' Cejudo told MMA Junkie. 'I actually got a second opinion. I went to Sean (O'Malley's) doctor. The other one, he said my eye would be good in a month, but every time I watch TV or I'm looking down, I still see double. It's been a month and it was a little pinkie that went inside (my eye) and I'm still not 100 percent. My doctor said it would be like another month. 'Korean Zombie' (Chan Sung Jung) has the same symptoms, and it was the reason he had to retire. I'm seeing double. When I put my eye a certain way, I'll see two feet. Luckily it's only when I lay down or I look down, but it took me like five days for my eye to stop seeing double when I got hurt. It's not the fact I couldn't see, but I was seeing two people. 'I never really saw the sport of mixed martial arts as kind of dangerous. I talked to my wife, and I think this could potentially be my last fight. One more and that's it. If I can run it back with Song, I would be happy with that. But if it's not Song, I would like anyone that the UFC's willing to give me. I want to be able to play with my kids. I want to be able to not f*cking lose an eye. That's kind of how I'm feeling right now to be quite honest with you.' Cejudo said he is in the process of filing an appeal and legal action with the Washington State Department of Licensing (WSDOL) over how he thinks referee Jason Herzog mishandled the situation on Feb. 22 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Whether that will lead to anything fruitful remains to be seen, but Cejudo said a satisfying outcome would be to have the result overturned to a no contest. Regardless of how it plays out, Cejudo said his priority is his health. The 38-year-old retired previously in May 2020, but for vastly different reasons. The eye injury has altered his reality and made him think differently about the consequence that can come with stepping in the octagon. Cejudo could minimize any additional health risks by simply hanging up the gloves now. However, he said that potential path is not one he could live comfortably with, but it's all dependent on whether his current situation actually improves. If the worst-case scenario occurs, though, then Cejudo will have seriously rethink the upside of ever stepping back in the octagon. 'I don't want to leave – I don't mind losing, but I don't want to leave getting hit in my freaking eye ball,' Cejudo said. 'It just can't end like that. And I'm grateful. I love Dana (White) and everybody. This isn't a shot at the UFC. They've given me a platform to really help out my family, to really put myself in a great position to where I can set myself up for the future. But at the same time, my health is No. 1 above everything. 'I'm not sure what the UFC has planned (for me). I definitely want to fight some time in the fall. Let my eye heal, they said another 30 days, but if it doesn't get better, I just don't know when I'll be back. I think this is the last one, and that's all she wrote.' To hear more from Cejudo, check out his complete appears on 'The Bohnfire' podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
WA DOL online services down until next week, offices to close
The Brief The Washington State Department of Licensing is temporarily shutting down services as it makes upgrades to its systems. Online driver and vehicle licensing services are down until Feb. 18, and driver licensing offices will close from Feb. 14-17. Once the upgrades are complete, WA DOL expects long wait times at licensing offices. Washingtonians may have some trouble renewing licenses and ordering new car tabs this week, as the Department of Licensing (DOL) is temporarily shutting down its services. Timeline Until February 18, Washington DOL's online services for driver and vehicle licensing will be down, as well as prorate and fuel tax services (PRFT). A blog post from WA DOL last month said it would be upgrading its systems from Feb. 10-17. Many online services will be unavailable during this time. DOL driver licensing offices will temporarily close from Feb. 14-17. This also includes the call center. Once the system upgrades are complete, WA DOL expects long wait times at driver licensing offices. Those who need to make an in-person visit can make an appointment online. Some vehicle licensing offices may remain open during the shutdown, though they won't be able to provide vehicle or vessel services. Part-time driver licensing offices will also close next week: Wednesday, Feb. 19 — Coulee Dam, Ephrata, Morton, Newport, and Oroville Thursday, Feb. 20 — Davenport and Goldendale There will also be disruptions to prorate and fuel tax services: The online Taxpayer Access Point will be unavailable starting Feb. 10. PRFT offices in Olympia and Vancouver will close at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 13. What's next WA DOL says the system upgrades include enhancing customer service, adding security features, and better support for mobile devices. Services should be back online Tuesday, Feb. 18. The Source Information in this story is from the Washington State Department of Licensing. Politics: WA Senate passes changes to parental rights in education Local: Japan Airlines plane clips tail of Delta plane at Sea-Tac Travel: Here's when you'll need REAL ID to get through US airport security Food: New restaurants coming to Seattle in 2025 To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily Fox Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
