High hopes and great expectations: a political shift on climate
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.
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 Stephanie Noren on January 24, 2019
a joint statement from Climate Solutions and Audubon Washington
by Stephanie Noren on January 16, 2019
Testimony focused on increased job and economic growth opportunities, climate and public health benefits.
by Joëlle Robinson on January 15, 2019
Washington is ready for 100% clean electricity—public hearings start this week!
by Gregg Small on January 15, 2019
What’s ahead for major climate and clean energy action in the Pacific Northwest this year... and what it’s going to take to get there.
by Gregg Small on November 8, 2018
A big election for climate and clean energy in the Pacific Northwest.
by Joëlle Robinson on October 16, 2018
Here are some of the ways to help pass Washington's I-1631: our clean air, clean energy initiative. How can YOU help?
by Vlad Gutman-Britten on October 9, 2018
Oil companies and their mouthpieces are claiming that I-1631 will hit consumers hard—that we can't afford clean air and healthy communities. The…
by Gregg Small on September 27, 2018
As the season shifts, so does our determination to fight—and win—on climate and clean energy.
by Climate Solutions on September 12, 2018
Climate Solutions presents new research demonstrating the feasibility of a clean-energy Pacific Northwest power grid.
by Joëlle Robinson on July 24, 2018
We don't have a minute to lose in taking action on climate in Washington—and we need our energy utilities to stand with us for clean air and a stable…
by Devon Downeysmith on May 7, 2018
The transportation sector's immense contribution to global warming makes it a very important place to reduce emissions. That and more new climate and…
by Vlad Gutman-Britten on May 2, 2018
The people of Washington have the opportunity to win one of the most ambitious, effective and far reaching policies to tackle climate change.
by Vlad Gutman-Britten on March 28, 2018
Washington's Legislature failed—again—to enact the kind of bold climate solutions we need and are ready for. Here's what happened, and here's why we…
by Vlad Gutman-Britten on March 14, 2018
No matter how many lobbyists they hire, no matter how many half-truths they tell, and no matter the fear-mongering we encounter—we’re going to keep…
by Climate Solutions on March 9, 2018
Utilities obstructed the passage of HB 2995, a measure backed by a coalition of labor, environmental, clean energy and conservation organizations…
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