The climate change policy of Washington state involves a combination of incentives and penalties intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). State legislators and governors have consistently rejected climate change denial and stated their belief that addressing climate change is one of the most pressing issues at hand. [1] In modern political history, Washington state is considered a stronghold for the Democratic party, which favors government action to reduce carbon emissions.
Even before statehood, hydroelectricity provided a source of renewable energy in the Washington territory. In 1885, a dynamo was installed onto a flour mill on the Spokane falls, generating hydroelectric power for lighting and streetcar power. [2] Grand Coulee Dam, which was built on the Columbia River watershed as part of the New Deal, is the single largest power station in the United States, renewable or otherwise. It is also the 10th largest hydroelectric power station in the world.[ citation needed ]
Hydroelectricity has been both the largest source of renewable energy in Washington state, making up 86% of its renewable generation in 2023, and the largest source of overall energy generation, accounting for 64% of electricity generated in Washington state. However, due to electricity exports, it only accounts for 45% of energy consumed in the state in 2021. [3] As of 2023, Washington generates the most hydroelectricity of any state. The recorded peak of electricity generated was 2011, when the state generated almost 92,000 GWh of conventional hydroelectric power. [4] Worsening effects of climate change have caused droughts, leading to lower power generation from dams, such as in 2023 when the state generated only 61,000 GWh of conventional hydroelectricity.[ citation needed ]
In the 21st century, climate change policy has been a prominent topic in state level policy. Both Governors Christine Gregoire (2005-2013) and Jay Inslee (2013-) promoted their green policies, with the latter making it the centerpiece of his 2020 presidential campaign. Voters also have opportunities to weigh in directly on climate change policy through the ballot initiative process (e.g. I-937, ST3).[ citation needed ]
On February 7, 2007, Governor Christine Gregoire signed an executive order setting greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals of reaching 1990 baseline levels by 2020, 25% below baseline in 2035, and 50% below baseline in 2050. [5] These goals were soon enacted as legal limits by the legislature. [6] In 2020, these limits were accelerated by the legislature. [7] [8]
In the late 2010s, two ballot initiatives aiming to curb carbon emissions through economic disincentives were rejected by voters. Initiative 732 in 2016 would have decreased the state sales tax (one of the main sources of revenue for the state government) and implemented a new tax on carbon emissions. The intent was to keep tax revenue neutral while encouraging businesses and consumers to shift away from sources of carbon emission (e.g. gasoline). I-732 failed with 59% voting against. [9]
Similarly, Initiative 1631 in 2018 would have enacted fees for large emitters based on the fossil fuels sold or used in state, as well as electricity consumed in the state. Revenue from the fees would have gone into (1) a fund for air quality and energy programs and projects, (2) a fund for water quality and forest health projects, and (3) a fund for investments related to communities. It was defeated with 57% voting against. [10]
Most of the current funding to address climate change has been allocated through acts of the state legislature, where as of 2024 the Democratic party has held a trifecta since 2018. [11] The state legislature enacted a group of laws which were branded as "The Big Seven" climate policies, targeting the following areas: [12]
| Year in effect | Climate policy | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Clean Energy Transformation Act | Bans coal by 2025; all electricity must be carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon zero by 2045; utilities must submit transition plans |
| 2020 | Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) | Limits certain super polluting HFCs commonly used as refrigerants |
| 2023 | Climate Commitment Act (CCA) | Creates a cap and invest program |
| 2023 | Clean Fuel Standard | Requires gasoline suppliers to reduce carbon intensity of fuel over time |
| 2024 | Clean Building Codes | Updates building codes to improve energy efficiency and encourage non-fossil fuel energy in new construction |
| 2025 | Clean Vehicles | Effectively bans non-plug-in hybrid gasoline vehicles by 2035 |
| 2026 | Building Performance Standards | Requires existing large and multifamily buildings to reduce fossil fuel consumption |
In the November 2006 elections, I-937 passed with 52% of the vote, requiring that large utilities generate at least 15% of their power from solar or wind energy by 2020. The text of the ballot measure specifically excludes hydropower from the 15% requirement, likely due it already being a well established source of renewable energy in Washington.[ citation needed ]
Governor Christine Gregoire signed SB 5769 in 2011, setting more stringent standards of emissions for all coal plants to go into effect in 2020 and 2025. At the time, the Centralia coal plant was the only one remaining in the state and the new regulations would effectively require it to close down all but one boiler by 2020 and fully decommission by 2025. [13] [14] As part of the agreement, operator TransAlta set up a $55 million Centralia Coal Transition Fund to help soften the economic blow to the community. [15] The fund has been cited by some as a model for how to transition communities centered around coal plants. [16] [17] Unit one went offline on December 31, 2020, as planned. [18]
The 2019 Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act bans the consumption of coal-generated electricity, including "coal-by-wire" from out of state, by the end of 2025, requires that all retail sales of electricity be carbon neutral by 2030, and requires that Washington's energy supply be free of greenhouse gases by 2045. [19] All investor owned utilities are required to complete a clean energy implementation plan every four years, beginning in 2022. This plan must outline how each utility will gradually shift to renewables in order to meet the statutory requirements and the costs required to come into compliance. For example, the largest utility in Washington, Puget Sound Energy, planned to move from 43% clean energy in 2022 to 63% in 2025 to prepare for the 2030 carbon neutral requirement. [20]
In 2008, the legislature set limits for all statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, 25% below 1990 levels by 2035, and 50% below 1990 levels by 2050. More aggressive limits were set for state agencies, using 2005 levels as a baseline instead: 15% below baseline by 2020, 36% below baseline by 2035, and 57.5% below baseline by 2050. [6] [21]
In 2020, HB 2311 amended those limits to accelerate the rate of transition. The new limits are 1990 levels by 2020, 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, 70% below 1990 levels by 2040, and 95% below 1990 levels by 2050. Additionally, any remaining emissions by 2050 (up to 5% of 1990 levels or 5 million metric tons) must be offset, effectively making the state's energy carbon neutral. The state government limits starting with 2030 were changed to match the overall state limits, while still continuing the use of 2005 as a baseline, as opposed to 1990. These amendments also clarified that they are limits to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, but also that biannual reports on emissions are required to also report on the emissions from wildfires, in collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources. [7]
While an official greenhouse gas inventory for 2020 from the Department of Ecology has not been released yet, electricity sector data showed an anomalous drop to below 1990 levels. This was largely attributed to the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing disruptions to trends in energy demands. Greenhouse gas emissions in 2018 and 2019 were 2% and 9% higher than the 1990 baseline, respectively. [22] The Washington state government also met their goal of 15% below 2005 baseline emissions for both 2020 and 2021, both years staying more than 13% below the limit. [23]
In 2021, HB 1050 further restricted emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), mainly used as refrigerants in air conditioners and industrial operations. The law directs the Department of Ecology to set a maximum global warming potential (GWP) for HFCs used in ice rinks, establish a refrigerant management program to reduce emissions, and to work with the State Building Code Council to set rules on refrigerants used in air conditioning units. [24] [25] The refrigerant management program requires building operators with at least 50 lbs of refrigerant with a GWP of 150 or greater to inspect for leaks and report to the state. [26]
In 2021, the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) required the Department of Ecology to develop a cap and invest program by the start of 2023. This program is intended to enforce the GHG limits set by the legislature, by requiring all businesses emitting at least 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent to obtain allowances equal in size to their total emissions. Businesses found not to be in compliance can be fined up to $50,000 per violation, per day. A set number of allowances are auctioned off and can be bought and sold on secondary markets, similar to securities.[ citation needed ]
In the 21st century, Washington state has had one of the highest rates of adoption of battery electric vehicles in the US. In 2022, there were over 90,000 electric vehicles registered in Washington, the fourth most of any state, despite it being the 13th most populous state. [3] It similarly had the fourth highest percentage of registered vehicles be battery electric or plug-in hybrid, behind California, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii, respectively. [27]
In 2020, the legislature enacted a policy which requires the state to follow California's rules for zero-emission vehicles. [28] In 2022, the California Air Regulation Board set a rule that would linearly phase out the sale of new gasoline cars by 2035 by requiring automakers to deliver an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles, starting with 35% ZEV in 2026, to 68% in 2030, before effectively banning the sale of gasoline vehicles in 2035. [29] However, plug-in hybrids which can travel at least 50 miles without gasoline will still qualify as ZEVs. [30]
In 2024, the Department of Commerce announced a low-income instant rebate program for battery electric vehicles, funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Washington residents making up to 300% of the federal poverty level can qualify for $9,000 off a 3+ year lease of a new BEV, $5,000 off a 2+ year lease or purchase, or $2,500 off a purchase or lease of a used BEV. [31]
Through the Electric Vehicle Charging Program, over $85 million in CCA grants to build almost 5,000 new charging stations in multifamily homes, workplaces, and public locations were awarded in 2024. These consisted of 4,710 AC level 2 EV chargers and 271 DC fast chargers. [32] [33] [ better source needed ]
The state announced plans for a point of sale rebate of up to $1,200 for new electric bicycles. Qualifying residents must make less than 80% of their county's median income. [34]
In 2005, the state enacted an exemption for retail sales tax of new clean alternative fuel vehicles, for the full selling price or fair market value of the car.[ citation needed ]
Starting July 2015, this exemption was limited to vehicles with a fair market value of $35,000 or less. However, the exemption was also extended to plug-in hybrids with at least 30 miles of battery range. In 2016, HB 2778 raised the eligible MSRP of vehicles to $42,500 or less, but limited the tax exemption eligibility to $32,000 per vehicle. The exemption automatically was designed to expire after 7,500 vehicles eligible for the exemption have been titled in the state or by July 2019, whichever was earlier. [35] Regarding HB 2778, Advisory Vote 15 was put on the ballot in November 2016 as a non-binding question as to whether the exemption should continue to be limited, in order to increase tax revenue for the state, or whether the tax exemption should extend to the full price of the vehicle. A majority advised against limiting the tax exemption. However, the legislature did not act on this non-binding advisory vote. [36]
In 2019, the retail sales tax exemption for alternative fuel vehicles was reinstated, updating the eligible sale price to be $45,000 or less for new vehicles and $30,000 for used vehicles. For new vehicles, the amount eligible for tax exemption decreases over time, starting with $25,000 until mid-2021, to $20,000 until mid-2023, to $15,000 until mid-2025. For used vehicles, the amount eligible for exemption is always $16,000. It passed with bipartisan support in both chambers. [37]
Sound Transit is a regional public transit authority covering King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, created in the 1990s with the goal of establishing a regional rapid transit system. It uses tax revenue to fund the development and operation of a variety of regional transit systems including Link light rail, bus rapid transit, and commuter rail. As of 2020, all Link light rail trains run on electricity generated by clean energy. [38]
The Climate Commitment Act included funding to make public transit free, including buses, light rail, ferries, and Amtrak Cascades, for all youth under the age of 18. [39] [40]
The 2021 environmental justice law, commonly known as the Healthy Environment for All Act (HEAL Act), implemented recommendations from an earlier environmental justice task force, to equitably invest in communities that have been disproportionately affected by pollution. [41] [42]
A carbon tax is a tax levied on the carbon emissions from producing goods and services. Carbon taxes are intended to make visible the hidden social costs of carbon emissions. They are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by essentially increasing the price of fossil fuels. This both decreases demand for goods and services that produce high emissions and incentivizes making them less carbon-intensive. When a fossil fuel such as coal, petroleum, or natural gas is burned, most or all of its carbon is converted to CO2. Greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change. This negative externality can be reduced by taxing carbon content at any point in the product cycle.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a United Nations-run carbon offset scheme allowing countries to fund greenhouse gas emissions-reducing projects in other countries and claim the saved emissions as part of their own efforts to meet international emissions targets. It is one of the three Flexible Mechanisms defined in the Kyoto Protocol. The CDM, defined in Article 12 of the Protocol, was intended to assist non-Annex I countries achieve sustainable development and reduce their carbon footprints, and to assist Annex I countries achieve compliance with greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments.
The energy policy of the United States is determined by federal, state, and local entities. It addresses issues of energy production, distribution, consumption, and modes of use, such as building codes, mileage standards, and commuting policies. Energy policy may be addressed via legislation, regulation, court decisions, public participation, and other techniques.
The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, or Assembly Bill (AB) 32, is a California state law that fights global warming by establishing a comprehensive program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sources throughout the state. AB32 was co-authored by Assemblymember Fran Pavley and Speaker of the California Assembly Fabian Nunez and signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 27, 2006.
A low-carbon economy (LCE) is an economy which absorbs as much greenhouse gas as it emits. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to human activity are the dominant cause of observed climate change since the mid-20th century. There are many proven approaches for moving to a low-carbon economy, such as encouraging renewable energy transition, energy conservation, and electrification of transportation. An example are zero-carbon cities.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities intensify the greenhouse effect. This contributes to climate change. Carbon dioxide, from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is one of the most important factors in causing climate change. The largest emitters are China followed by the United States. The United States has higher emissions per capita. The main producers fueling the emissions globally are large oil and gas companies. Emissions from human activities have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide by about 50% over pre-industrial levels. The growing levels of emissions have varied, but have been consistent among all greenhouse gases. Emissions in the 2010s averaged 56 billion tons a year, higher than any decade before. Total cumulative emissions from 1870 to 2022 were 703 GtC, of which 484±20 GtC from fossil fuels and industry, and 219±60 GtC from land use change. Land-use change, such as deforestation, caused about 31% of cumulative emissions over 1870–2022, coal 32%, oil 24%, and gas 10%.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC), originally named the Committee on Climate Change, is an independent non-departmental public body, formed under the Climate Change Act (2008) to advise the United Kingdom and devolved Governments and Parliaments on tackling and preparing for climate change. The Committee provides advice on setting carbon budgets, and reports regularly to the Parliaments and Assemblies on the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, in 2019 the CCC recommended the adoption of a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the United Kingdom by 2050. On 27 June 2019 the British Parliament amended the Climate Change Act (2008) to include a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. The CCC also advises and comments on the UK's progress on climate change adaptation through updates to Parliament.
The United States produced 5.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2020, the second largest in the world after greenhouse gas emissions by China and among the countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person. In 2019 China is estimated to have emitted 27% of world GHG, followed by the United States with 11%, then India with 6.6%. In total the United States has emitted a quarter of world GHG, more than any other country. Annual emissions are over 15 tons per person and, amongst the top eight emitters, is the highest country by greenhouse gas emissions per person.
Greenhouse gas emissions by Australia totalled 533 million tonnes CO2-equivalent based on greenhouse gas national inventory report data for 2019; representing per capita CO2e emissions of 21 tons, three times the global average. Coal was responsible for 30% of emissions. The national Greenhouse Gas Inventory estimates for the year to March 2021 were 494.2 million tonnes, which is 27.8 million tonnes, or 5.3%, lower than the previous year. It is 20.8% lower than in 2005. According to the government, the result reflects the decrease in transport emissions due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, reduced fugitive emissions, and reductions in emissions from electricity; however, there were increased greenhouse gas emissions from the land and agriculture sectors.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) was an energy bill in the 111th United States Congress that would have established a variant of an emissions trading plan similar to the European Union Emission Trading Scheme. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009, by a vote of 219–212. With no prospect of overcoming a threatened Republican filibuster, the bill was never brought to the floor of the Senate for discussion or a vote. The House passage of the bill was the "first time either house of Congress had approved a bill meant to curb the heat-trapping gases scientists have linked to climate change."
Energy in Switzerland is transitioning towards sustainability, targeting net zero emissions by 2050 and a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The environmental impact of the energy industry is significant, as energy and natural resource consumption are closely related. Producing, transporting, or consuming energy all have an environmental impact. Energy has been harnessed by human beings for millennia. Initially it was with the use of fire for light, heat, cooking and for safety, and its use can be traced back at least 1.9 million years. In recent years there has been a trend towards the increased commercialization of various renewable energy sources. Scientific consensus on some of the main human activities that contribute to global warming are considered to be increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, causing a warming effect, global changes to land surface, such as deforestation, for a warming effect, increasing concentrations of aerosols, mainly for a cooling effect.
The climate change policy of the United States has major impacts on global climate change and global climate change mitigation. This is because the United States is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the world after China, and is among the countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions per person in the world. Cumulatively, the United States has emitted over a trillion metric tons of greenhouse gases, more than any country in the world.
In 2021, net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United Kingdom (UK) were 427 million tonnes (Mt) carbon dioxide equivalent, 80% of which was carbon dioxide itself. Emissions increased by 5% in 2021 with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, primarily due to the extra road transport. The UK has over time emitted about 3% of the world total human caused CO2, with a current rate under 1%, although the population is less than 1%.
Climate change has far reaching impacts on the natural environment and people of Finland. Finland was among the top five greenhouse gas emitters in 2001, on a per capita basis. Emissions increased to 58.8 million tonnes in 2016. Finland needs to triple its current cuts to emissions in order to be carbon neutral by 2035. Finland relies on coal and peat for its energy, but plans to phase out coal by 2029. Finland has a target of carbon neutrality by the year 2035 without carbon credits. The policies include nature conservation, more investments in trains, changes in taxation and more sustainable wood burning. After 2035 Finland will be carbon negative, meaning soaking more carbon than emitting.
A carbon pricing scheme in Australia was introduced by the Gillard Labor minority government in 2011 as the Clean Energy Act 2011 which came into effect on 1 July 2012. Emissions from companies subject to the scheme dropped 7% upon its introduction. As a result of being in place for such a short time, and because the then Opposition leader Tony Abbott indicated he intended to repeal "the carbon tax", regulated organizations responded rather weakly, with very few investments in emissions reductions being made. The scheme was repealed on 17 July 2014, backdated to 1 July 2014. In its place the Abbott government set up the Emission Reduction Fund in December 2014. Emissions thereafter resumed their growth evident before the tax.
The long tailpipe is an argument stating that usage of electric vehicles does not always result in fewer emissions compared to those from non-electric vehicles. While the argument acknowledges that plug-in electric vehicles operating in all-electric mode have no greenhouse gas emissions from the onboard source of power, it claims that these emissions are shifted from the vehicle tailpipe to the location of the electrical generation plants. From the point of view of a well-to-wheel assessment, the extent of the actual carbon footprint depends on the fuel and technology used for electricity generation, as well as the impact of additional electricity demand on the phase-out of fossil fuel power plants.
The Washington Carbon Emissions Fee and Revenue Allocation Initiative, also known as Initiative 1631 or the Protect Washington Act was a ballot initiative that appeared on ballots in the State of Washington in the November 2018 election. The initiative proposed to reduce pollution by levying a fee on greenhouse gas emissions generated within the state of Washington, and using that revenue to support air quality and energy projects, as well as water quality and forest health initiatives. The measure failed with 56.3% of voters rejecting it. As of 2018, more had been spent in campaigning for and against the initiative than on any other ballot measure in Washington history.
China's total greenhouse gas emissions are the world's highest in absolute terms, accounting for 35% of the world's total according to the International Energy Agency. China's per capita greenhouse gas emissions are lower than some major developed countries.
Greenhouse gas emissionsbyRussia are mostly from fossil gas, oil and coal. Russia emits 2 or 3 billion tonnes CO2eq of greenhouse gases each year; about 4% of world emissions. Annual carbon dioxide emissions alone are about 12 tons per person, more than double the world average. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore air pollution in Russia, would have health benefits greater than the cost. The country is the world's biggest methane emitter, and 4 billion dollars worth of methane was estimated to leak in 2019/20.