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.

[The 2023 Legislative session is over! Here's our wrapup on how Legislators succeeded in taking climate action—and what work remains to be done]

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

What's next for climate in Washington?

by Climate Solutions on September 26, 2021

Climate Solutions' Washington State legislative priorities for 2022.

Climate Leaders Live: Deep dive on 100% Clean Electricity in PNW

by Kimberly Larson on September 22, 2021

A remarkable thing happened for the climate this summer. Let's dive into the details together.

It's the 11th hour for climate and Congress

by Gregg Small on September 20, 2021

The climate crisis seems to be getting worse, but we also know there is a window of time right now when we can still make a big positive difference.

2021 Washington climate wins are real

by Vlad Gutman-Britten on May 30, 2021

Our hard-won, 2021 legislative wins on climate are motivated by the idea that tackling the climate crisis can help us create good jobs, it must…

Washington State officially enters a new phase of climate action

by Jonathan Lee on May 21, 2021

Washington State enters a new climate action phase, Oregon's EV incentives get a boost, and fossil fuels are declared incompatible with a healthy…

Can you believe it? Believe it: climate progress

by Vlad Gutman-Britten on April 27, 2021

Washington State just made history with a suite of legislative actions to address global warming pollution, the long-term need to protect communities…

Washington's Climate Commitment Act nears final passage

by Climate Solutions on April 23, 2021

The Washington House has passed the Climate Commitment Act, which would establish a firm statewide cap on global warming pollution, making WA the…

Third time's a charm for clean fuels in Washington

by Climate Solutions on April 9, 2021

A Clean Fuel Standard is one step closer to Gov. Inslee's desk, as the WA Senate passed this critical climate policy.

Suddenly the street itself was on fire

by Joëlle Robinson on April 2, 2021

Tell our Washington legislators it's time we moved past fossil gas.

We're Past the Halfway Point

by Vlad Gutman-Britten on March 8, 2021

We’ve passed the halfway mark in Washington’s Legislative session. Check out our update on Climate Solutions’ top climate priorities, and where we…

Washington House accelerates clean fuels

by Climate Solutions on February 27, 2021

The heat in Olympia is now on the Senate, as the House passes a Clean Fuel Standard for the third year in a row.

New Moves for Climate Progress

by Jonathan Lawson on February 24, 2021

This webinar focused on opportunities at the national, tribal and state levels in 2021. With Don Sampson (Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians),…

Transition 2021 off to a good start

by Jonathan Lawson on January 28, 2021

"Federal climate action:" no longer an oxymoron

Why cap-and-invest? One strategy for carbon reduction

by Vlad Gutman-Britten on January 20, 2021

Climate Solutions' approach to the Climate Commitment Act, Governor Inslee’s proposed cap-and-invest system, and other systems like it

Washington's long-term growth planning must consider climate change

by Climate Solutions on January 19, 2021

Prepared testimony supporting HB 1099, revising Washington's Growth Management Act to consider climate response in long-term regional planning

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