2023: A New Focus for Climate Action in Washington

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]

Image
Investment icon

1. Invest in Climate Action

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.

Image
Zero-emissions vehicle icon

2. Zero-Emissions Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

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.

Image
Clean buildings icon

3. Clean Homes and Buildings

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.

Image
Clean energy siting icon

4. Clean Energy Siting

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.

Image
Transportation accessibility icon

5. Transportation Accessibility and Land Use Planning

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.

Washington State Government

A major effort and momentum for all-electric homes in WA

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

Clean transportation hits the road in Wenatchee, WA

by Leah Missik on October 26, 2022

Our Clean Vehicle showcase featured zero-emission buses, drayage, and garbage trucks.

Getting off oil to get around WA

by Leah Missik on September 7, 2022

The impacts of our dependence on fossil fuels are becoming clearer all the time.

How the West is One

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…

Hot ways to stay cool: take our buildings all-electric

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.

Share your #FreedomFromFossilFuels story

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…

Climate + cosmos = 💌

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

Make history (again) and keep climate action strong in WA

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…

Clean energy homes for Washington: council proposes code improvements

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…

We've got a new plan.

by Gregg Small on June 27, 2022

Climate Solutions' strategic priorities for the next four years.

What does equitable internet access have to do with climate?

by Jonathan Lee on May 13, 2022

Bridging the digital divide, EVs keep accelerating, fossil fuel dirty deeds, and spreading climate hope.

Clean energy. Fossil-fueled crisis. Tipping points are here

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…

Following historic progress, WA continues with incremental steps

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…

Mid-session climate updates from Olympia

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…

Transform. Our. Transportation.

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…

Give for a brighter future

Connect

Join our email list to learn about what we do and how to get involved. 

Washington Events

There are no upcoming events posted at this time
Climate Cast graphic header

How the West is One

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 gaslights the public.
Read More