Clean cars, Washington, our health and our climate = a winning combo
2023 marks a significant shift in climate policy, from a focus on passing major climate policies to now implementing these transformative laws. Washington has among the strongest policy frameworks to transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy, thanks to the Legislature’s passage of the Clean Energy Transformation Act, Clean Fuels Standard, and Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which will be bolstered by the Federal Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act. As the Legislature invests in clean energy generated by the CCA, it is critical to spend the dollars wisely to transition to a carbon-free future while reducing the cost burden on vulnerable communities.
[Read our 2023 WA Legislative Priorities in PDF form]
Washington’s transformative Climate Commitment Act goes into effect on January 1st, 2023 and its cap-and-invest program is expected to bring in billions of dollars for climate and clean energy. As the Legislature invests in climate action using new funds coming from the CCA, it is critical to spend dollars wisely and ensure an equitable transition to a carbon-free future.
While greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles have remained steady, climate pollution from medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles - such as trucks, vans, and buses - has more than doubled since 1990. Diesel exhaust is responsible for 70% of the cancer risk from air pollution in Washington, so investments in this sector will also reduce toxic air pollution, which is largely concentrated in overburdened communities. Transitioning to zero-emissions MHD vehicles swiftly to meet our emissions targets requires a multi-pronged approach to reduce upfront costs and ensure adequate infrastructure. The Legislature should dedicate: $130 million towards a point-of-sale vehicle incentive program to mitigate upfront costs and incentivize sale of over 1,000 zero-emissions vehicles per year. $80 million in incentives for MHD charging infrastructure (e.g., at fleet depots) to facilitate large-scale conversion. $40 million in innovative demonstration projects to develop the market for earlier-stage applications, support zero-emissions vehicle deployment in sectors that require more assistance, and showcase Washington’s leadership.
Washington’s building emissions are growing at a faster rate than any other source and have major implications for the health of those who work and live within them. To ensure equitable access to heat pumps and other electric appliances, the Legislature should provide incentives for low- and middle-income (LMI) households, schools in overburdened communities, and small businesses. To align with the State Energy Strategy, the electrification incentive program should be funded at $200 million for the 2023-2024 biennium and increase over time to meet our 2030 decarbonization goal. More specifically: $130 million to mitigate upfront costs of new electric appliance purchases and installation, with a tiered incentive structure to prioritize low-income households and ensure the most overburdened communities can benefit from this program. $70 million to fund a commercial rebate program, targeting schools in overburdened communities, minority-owned businesses, and buildings in low-income areas.
Meeting our critical 95% greenhouse gas reduction target requires rapid development of clean energy. However, expansion of clean energy comes with a broad set of challenges: from the impact on wildlife, environment, and tribal resources of land-intensive energy sources like solar, to the potential for project delays during the permitting processes and environmental reviews. The Legislature should increase the state’s capacity to examine a growing number of clean energy project proposals, including additional funding and staffing for state agencies, the use of a programmatic environmental review across regions and technologies in the state, and a streamlined permitting application. These proposals should be paired with the creation of clean energy zones that identify least-conflict lands to minimize impact on the environment, communities, and tribal land while providing additional certainty to developers.
Creating a clean and equitable transportation system requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond electrification to reducing reliance on passenger vehicles and expanding transportation options. To do so, we need adequate housing near jobs, services, and transit. The Legislature should facilitate transit oriented development, end exclusionary zoning, and amend the Growth Management Act such that all jurisdictions must plan for climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
by Joëlle Robinson on October 26, 2022
An incredible showing, representing the fabric and diversity of our climate community, raising the volume for clean and healthy homes
by Leah Missik on October 26, 2022
Our Clean Vehicle showcase featured zero-emission buses, drayage, and garbage trucks.
by Leah Missik on September 7, 2022
The impacts of our dependence on fossil fuels are becoming clearer all the time.
by Jonathan Lee on August 26, 2022
The US West leads the way on electric vehicles and clean tech, more details about the landmark federal climate bill, melting roads, and NW Natural…
by Joëlle Robinson on July 29, 2022
WA State has an opportunity to ensure the most climate friendly state residential energy codes in the country.
by Jonathan Lee on July 25, 2022
Throughout this month, Climate Solutions has been sharing real, widely available clean energy solutions through our #FreedomFromFossilFuels campaign…
by Stephanie Noren on July 14, 2022
Space is the place, extreme heat felt across the globe, and coal is still not going to work
by Kelly Hall on July 12, 2022
WA made history by passing the strongest bill in the country to cap carbon pollution statewide. State agencies are starting the implementation…
by Climate Solutions on June 29, 2022
Washington's State Building Code Coundil is recommending updates to residential building energy codes this year, accelerating clean, electric new…
by Gregg Small on June 27, 2022
Climate Solutions' strategic priorities for the next four years.
by Jonathan Lee on May 13, 2022
Bridging the digital divide, EVs keep accelerating, fossil fuel dirty deeds, and spreading climate hope.
by Jonathan Lawson on March 18, 2022
In this week's ClimateCast: clean energy results from the Oregon and Washington legislatures; fossil fuels and the Ukraine humanitarian crisis; and…
by Kelly Hall on March 15, 2022
In 2022, the Washington Legislature built upon the transformational shift we’ve begun in recent years; lawmakers took important steps in a few key…
by Kelly Hall on February 21, 2022
With less than three weeks left in Washington’s short legislative session, there are still a number of ways the Legislature can act to cut climate…
by Leah Missik on February 9, 2022
Move Ahead Washington will clean up transportation, investing in transportation electrification, transit, and active mobility—leading to climate…
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Los Angeles Times reporter Sammy Roth recapped this week
The impacts of our dependence on fossil fuels are becoming clearer all the time.