TagClimate Commitment Act(14)
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2026-01-18Cringeworthy error in CCA numbers proves need to focus on basics
By The Seattle Times editorial board It was the kind of announcement that makes for government worker nightmares. The Department of Commerce on Jan. 6 said that a “data entry” mistake had produced incorrect greenhouse gas emission-reduction numbers for the state’s centerpiece climate protection program. Wrong by several decimal points. Talk about egg on your face. Worse -
2024-10-18WA’s carbon market pumps billions of dollars to state projects. What happens if it vanishes?
By Amanda Zhou Seattle Times staff reporter Climate Lab is a Seattle Times initiative that explores the effects of climate change in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The project is funded in part by The Bullitt Foundation, Jim and Birte Falconer, Mike and Becky Hughes, Henry M. Jackson Foundation, University of Washington and Walker Family Foundation, -
2024-06-12
WA carbon auction demand drops, prices remain lower
By Conrad Swanson and Isabella Breda Climate Lab is a Seattle Times initiative that explores the effects of climate change in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The project is funded in part by The Bullitt Foundation, Jim and Birte Falconer, Mike and Becky Hughes, University of Washington and Walker Family Foundation, and its fiscal sponsor -
WA’s largest oil refinery ramps up cleaner fuels as climate laws take hold
By Isabella Breda Seattle Times staff reporter CHERRY POINT, Whatcom County — Thick steam billowed from a series of towers and pipes, intricately woven together to form a powerhouse of the region’s energy production and Washington’s largest oil refinery. BP’s Cherry Point facility, which belched more than 2 million metric tons of climate-warming gases into -
Will high gas prices derail WA’s climate policy?
By Conrad Swanson Seattle Times climate reporter Nobody was quite sure how life would change for Washingtonians when lawmakers passed the state’s landmark climate policy in 2021. But in the nine months since the state started charging polluters, one thing has become increasingly clear: the sticker shock. A nearly $1.5 billion price tag — so -
2023-10-012023-25 Biennium Climate Commitment Act Investments to Benefit Overburdened Communities and Tribes
Washington State's Climate Commitment Act invested over $2.1 billion in the 2023-25 budget cycle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated $924 million (43%) directed to overburdened communities and $155 million (7.3%) specifically benefiting Tribes. Key investments include rebates for energy-efficient home equipment, weatherization assistance for low-income households, transit grants, bike and pedestrian safety improvements, and air quality programs in heavily polluted communities. An additional $142 million was directed to salmon restoration projects important to Tribal culture and treaty rights. -
2023-10-01
2023-25 Biennium Climate Commitment Act Investments to Benefit Overburdened Communities and Tribes
Office of Financial Management (OFM) October 2023 report estimating 2023-25 biennium Climate Commitment Act (CCA) investments directed to overburdened communities and Tribes across Washington State operating, capital, and transportation budgets. Of $2.1 billion total CCA revenue invested, nearly $924 million (43%) directed to overburdened communities, and $155 million (7.3%) specifically to Tribes, with an additional -
Inslee, lawmakers turn up heat on oil companies as WA gas prices top nation
By Isabella Breda Seattle Times staff reporter BURIEN — Gov. Jay Inslee and members of the Democratic-controlled Legislature on Thursday stressed their desire to rein in the oil industry’s record profits as Washingtonians continue to pay for the most expensive fuel in the nation. Several of Highline Public Schools’ new electric buses served as a -
2023-06-052023-25 Biennium Enacted Budget – Operating
This document outlines the Washington State Department of Ecology's 2023-25 Biennium Enacted Operating Budget, totaling approximately $862.6 million with 2,136.5 full-time employees. It details funding changes across priority areas including climate impact reduction, toxic threat prevention, and water protection, with notable investments in Clean Energy Permitting, Climate Commitment Act implementation, and water quality programs. The budget reflects a net increase of roughly $157.8 million over the carryforward base budget through a combination of maintenance level adjustments and new policy-level initiatives. -
2023-06-05
2023-25 Biennium Enacted Budget – Operating
Washington State Department of Ecology 2023-25 Biennium Enacted Budget for Operating, enacted 5/16/2023. Details carryforward base budget of $704,723 thousand (1,904.9 FTEs) across GF-State, MTCA (Model Toxics Control Operating Account), and Other funds, with total proposed operating budget of $862,571 thousand (2,136.5 FTEs). Includes maintenance level changes (general wage adjustment, minimum wage, recruit/retention) and policy