# RCW 19.260.060: RCW 19.260.060: Department—Authority to adopt rules that reference federal standards—Recommended updates to standards

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S060

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 19.260.060
- **Heading:** RCW 19.260.060: Department—Authority to adopt rules that reference federal standards—Recommended updates to standards
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 19 / Chapter 260 / Section 060

## Text

(1) The department may adopt rules that incorporate by reference federal efficiency standards for federally covered products only as the standards existed on January 1, 2018. The department, in consultation with the office of the attorney general, must regularly submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on federal standards that preempt the state standards set forth in RCW 19.260.040 . Any report on federal preemption must be transmitted at least thirty days before the start of any regular legislative session. (2) The department may recommend updates to the energy efficiency standards and test methods for products listed in RCW 19.260.030 . The department may also recommend establishing state standards for additional nonfederally covered products. In making its recommendations, the department shall use the following criteria: (a) Multiple manufacturers produce products that meet the proposed standard at the time of recommendation; (b) products meeting the proposed standard are available at the time of recommendation; (c) the products are cost-effective to consumers on a life-cycle cost basis using average Washington resource rates; (d) the utility of the energy efficient product meets or exceeds the utility of the comparable product available for purchase; and (e) the standard exists in at least two other states in the United States. For recommendations concerning commercial clothes washers, the department must also consider the fiscal effects on the low-income, elderly, and student populations. Any recommendations shall be transmitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature sixty days before the start of any regular legislative session.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 19.260.010 RCW 19.260.010: Findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S010.md)
- [RCW 19.260.020 RCW 19.260.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S020.md)
- [RCW 19.260.030 RCW 19.260.030: Application of chapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S030.md)
- [RCW 19.260.040 RCW 19.260.040: Minimum efficiency standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S040.md)
- [RCW 19.260.050 RCW 19.260.050: Limit on sale or installation of products required to meet or exceed standards in RCW 19.260.040.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S050.md)
- [RCW 19.260.060 RCW 19.260.060: Department—Authority to adopt rules that reference federal standards—Recommended updates to standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S060.md)
- [RCW 19.260.070 RCW 19.260.070: Manufacturers must test products—Certification—Rules—Identification of products—Complaints—Penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S070.md)
- [RCW 19.260.080 RCW 19.260.080: Electric storage water heaters.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S080.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T19_C260_S060. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.