Schoesler Bill Looks To Lower The Cost Of Mechanical Lubricants

The 2026 Washington legislative session is just around the corner, and in anticipation, state Senator Mark Schoesler has filed legislation that looks to make lubricants for vehicles and machinery more affordable.  Senate Bill 5856, he said, would exempt emissions associated with lubricants from coverage under the state’s Climate Commitment Act enacted in 2021.

The Ritzville Republican said his bill would have Washington join California and Oregon in exempting lubricants, including motor oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid and grease, from surcharges created by each state’s carbon-pricing system.

“California and Oregon don’t impose a carbon-pricing surcharge on vehicle and machinery lubricants but Washington does,” said Schoesler.  "Removing this surcharge wouldn’t only help our state’s agricultural industry, which can’t pass along these extra costs – it also would improve affordability for Washington drivers whether they have conventional, hybrid or electric vehicles. Changing the oil and other fluids is part of routine maintenance, and the hidden carbon taxes add up.”

Schoesler said SB 5856 would not harm the state’s general fund.

The 2026 legislative session begins January 12th and is scheduled to last 60 days.

Click Here to read Senate Bill 5856.

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