HB 2957: Greenhouse gases/indirect

Summary

• Directs the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to adopt a rule, under state Clean Air Act (state CAA) authority, to regulate greenhouse gases (GHGs) that takes effect after October 1, 2021, and specifies emission thresholds for regulated sources, how biofuels must be allowed to earn credits, and that emission reduction credits be authorized for forest carbon sequestration.
• Authorizes Ecology to collect fees, rely on market-based mechanisms to achieve emission reductions, and provide special consideration for energy-intensive and trade-exposed industries to address leakage.
• Revises the state CAA's definition of "emission" and "emission standard" to include both direct and indirect emissions.
• Authorizes Ecology and local air authorities to require persons who produce or distribute fossil fuels or other products that emit GHGs in Washington to comply with air quality standards, emission standards, or emission limits on GHGs under the state CAA.
• Directs the Utilities and Transportation Commission to allow timely GHG rule compliance-cost recovery for prudent and reasonable compliance costs by gas companies and electric companies.
• Suspends the implementation of the 2018 Washington State Energy Code for residential structures until at least July 1, 2022, if the Legislature provides policies and funding for existing residential building retrofit programs that achieve comparatively larger GHG emission reductions.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2957), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗