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—amd 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

Show some love for climate action

by Joëlle Robinson on February 13, 2018

Washington State has a chance to deliver on some of the most ambitious climate policy anywhere in the country. Valentine’s Day is a key deadline.

Washington Legislature Advances Clean Fuels Standard and 100% Fossil Free Electricity

by Mara Gross on February 7, 2018

Key complementary climate policies advance as legislative session reaches halfway point.

Just. Do it.

by KC Golden on February 2, 2018

The impacts of fossil fuels are not just environmentally catastrophic, they’re deeply inequitable. Those who do the least to cause climate disruption…

Fossil free forward!

by Vlad Gutman-Britten on February 1, 2018

Today in Olympia, House and Senate committees both advanced proposals to move us faster towards 100% fossil-free electricity—meaning a cleaner world…

Let's get real: the state of the union is up to us.

by Joëlle Robinson on January 30, 2018

Progress, fortunately, isn’t just about the performance of the federal government. In Washington, our legislature has big opportunities for climate…

Reducing Pollution, Investing in Solutions

by Mara Gross on January 29, 2018

Clean energy, cost saving, job creating investments from the ten states that have already put a price on climate pollution

States step up to fight climate challenges

by Devon Downeysmith on January 17, 2018

Global temperatures aren't the only thing heating up--states and cities are showing an appetite this year for strong climate policy. We've got the…

We all agree: it's time for climate action in Washington

by Climate Solutions on January 17, 2018

A coalition of more than 25 organizations sent a message to Washington state legislators calling for strong climate action, in the form of three key…

Public strongly supports 100% clean electricity, clean fuels

by Climate Solutions on January 12, 2018

A new Washington state poll demonstrates strong public support for legislators prepared to act on climate.

Public strongly supports 100% clean electricity, clean fuels

by Jonathan Lawson on January 12, 2018

A new Washington state poll demonstrates strong public support for legislators prepared to act on climate.

The Clean Air Rule is one (but not the only) solution worth protecting

by Vlad Gutman-Britten on December 20, 2017

We need to place our power sector on a path to 100% clean power, electrify transportation, and boost efficiency. Protecting clean air is a first step…

2017: The highlights were pretty bright

by Gregg Small on December 19, 2017

Yes, 2017 was an awful year in many ways. But it was also a year of transition for climate action. We and many others affirmed our ability to make…

Mainstreaming climate risk... and clean energy opportunity

by Gregg Small on November 16, 2017

Our annual dinner with Kate Gordon in Portland this week laid the groundwork for a season of effective climate action in Oregon and Washington. 

Many reasons for hope, but also much to fear

by Devon Downeysmith on October 3, 2017

Devastation in Puerto Rico, a major win against coal, hope, frustration, and more in our climate and clean energy news roundup.