Washington State Moves Closer to Strong Rule to Reduce Global Warming Pollution
Olympia, WA – The Department of Ecology on Wednesday released an updated draft of the Clean Air Rule, requiring reductions in carb
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 Jonathan Lawson on April 15, 2014
Governor Jay Inslee is committed to a clean energy future. We need everyone around the country thanking him for press
by Jessica Finn Coven on January 30, 2014
Washington State has made great strides in clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy independence. But some legislators want to slow or reverse…
by Ben Serrurier on January 16, 2014
And they’re off! Monday marked the official start of the 2014 Washington State legislative session. Here's a preview of how Climate Solutions will be…
by Jessica Finn Coven on July 1, 2013
While much of the media attention of the state legislature session focused on the near government shutdown and the bu
by Jessica Finn Coven on May 20, 2013
On May 13, the Washington State legislature started its 30 day special session, an addition to the 105 day “regular” session that ended last month.…
by Patrick Mazza on February 20, 2013
Global biodiversity avatar Thomas Lovejoy sees a climate endgame in sight, title of his recent New York Times op-ed. Lovejoy points to biocarbon,…
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Olympia, WA – The Department of Ecology on Wednesday released an updated draft of the Clean Air Rule, requiring reductions in carb
Bernie Sanders names Bill McKibben to Democratic platform committee, cows treated to belch less methane, climate refugees leave California for the Northwest, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy.
The 2016 Western Washington Solutions Summit hosted by the Washington Policy Center will convene over 600 policymakers, business owners, community leaders and concerned citizens to discuss solutions to our state’s most pressing issues, we are sure to have another informative and high-quality event in 2016.
This event combines center-specific events into a half-day policy conference in Bellevue - with two keynote presentations from Kimberly Strassel of the Wall Street Journal and former Louisana Governor & presidential candidate Bobby Jindal.
South African concentrating solar plant generates round the clock, Ukraine marks Chernobyl anniversary, solar auction hits new low under 3 cents per kilowatt-hour, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy.
A group of Washington State youth known as the “climate kids” just won an important victory in their bid to force the state to protect their future
World Bank and IMF push countries toward carbon pricing, Tacoma gas-to-methanol proposal withdrawn, rail cars to store excess electricity, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy.
After 12 turbulent weeks, complete with an unanticipated special session, Washington’s 2016 legislative season drew to a close at the end of March. This year’s session included setbacks for climate and clean energy, but took a number of valuable steps forward as well.
2.5 million Americans work in clean energy, South Africa and Nevada solar plants provide night-time power, coalition builds behind Clean Power Plan, and more news of the week in climate and clean energy.
On April 19, 2016 the Western Washington University Institute for Energy Studies will be holding its first Energy Symposium. Students, faculty, and invited experts in the field of energy will be joining together on Western's campus for presentations, lively panel discussions, student poster sessions, and networking. Space is limited. Register now.
Utilities move to cut coal use despite stay on Clean Power Plan, Shell replaces executive who led Arctic oil push, Midwest wind generation sets new records, and more news of the week in clean energy solutions.