West

Washington

Washington has been a leader in climate and environmental justice policy, especially with the passage of the ambitious Climate Commitment Act and the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act in 2021. The state’s emissions decreased by 10% from 1990-2021, compared to their target of 45% below 1990 levels by 2030. The majority of in-state electricity is generated by renewables, and the state is the top hydroelectric power producer, providing over one-fifth of the country’s hydroelectric power.
GHG Reduction Targets
All targets relative to 2005 levels
2030 :

45%

2040 :

70%

2050 :

95%

2050 :

Net-zero economy

Governor
Jay Inslee (Democrat)
House Party
Democratic Majority
Senate Party
Democratic Majority
Legislative session
1/8/24 - 3/7/24
US Climate Alliance Status
Member

37

Policies Enacted or In Progress
across 7 policy areas

25

Policy Opportunities
across 6 policy areas

West

11 states
This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.

Progress by Policy Area

  • Enacted
  • In-progress
  • Partially Enacted
  • Not Enacted
Glossary of Terms
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Washington

Created in partnership with
Filters
Status Policy Policy Area Policy Category YR Enacted
Enacted
Empty column

45% by 2030 | 70% by 2040 | 95% by 2050 | net-zero economy by 2050

Relative to 1990 levels

Establishing Policies
Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2020
Enacted
Empty column

Washington State Energy Strategy

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2020
Enacted
Empty column

The 1990-2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory was published in December 2022.

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2022
Not Enacted
Empty column

Climate bureaucracy consists of dedicated climate offices and staff, interagency working groups, task forces, and other bodies made up of government staff. These bodies are often responsible for writing a state's climate plan and implementing the policies and strategies identified to meet its climate targets.

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance
Not Enacted
Empty column

Climate advisory bodies often write or advise on a state's climate plan, and make non-binding recommendations on climate policy design and implementation. The bodies can consist of all non-government members, or be a mix of government and non-government members.

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance
Enacted
Empty column

"Overburdened communities" are areas that (1) receive a 9 or 10 ranking out of 10 on the Washington Environmental Health Disparities (EHD) Map, are census block groups in the 90th percentile on the U.S. EPA's EJScreen, or are on Tribal land; (2) have an elevated level of at least one criteria air pollutant; and (3) meet the threshold for at least one of 8 indicators related to air pollution exposure, health impacts, or vulnerability.

Establishing Policies
Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2021
Enacted
Empty column

Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2019
Enacted
Empty column

At least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of cap-and-invest revenue must benefit overburdened communities and and at least 10% to investments formally supported by Indian tribes.

Establishing Policies
Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2021
Enacted
Empty column

Department of Ecology – Office of Equity & Environmental Justice

Department of Ecology – Environmental Justice & Title VI Senior Advisor

DOH – Environmental Justice Council Staff

DOT – Environmental Justice Staff

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2021
Enacted
Empty column

Environmental Justice Council

Establishing Policies
Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2021
Not Enacted
Empty column

Cumulative impact assessments determine the health and environmental impacts of renewing or granting a permit for certain pollution-generating facilities in environmental justice communities. Increased pollution burdens in communities may result in the permit application being denied.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition plans are documents that outline policies and recommendations aimed at supporting communities, workers, and industries affected by the transition away from fossil fuels. The plans often focus on workforce development and retraining, job creation, and economic diversification.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition offices and staff assist workers and communities transitioning away from fossil fuel extraction and use, typically through retraining programs and support with relocation and economic diversification. Offices and staff also coordinate with other state agencies to effectively design policy to achieve a just transition.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition advisory bodies write or advise on a state's just transition plan or report, and make recommendations on ways to support affected workers, communities, and industries. The bodies can consist of all non-government members, or be a mix of government and non-government members.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition funds support initiatives and investments aimed at facilitating the equitable transition of workers and communities affected by shifts in industries or policies that transition from fossil fuels.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition

The State Climate Policy Dashboard tracks only passed policies and does not include bills currently proposed in legislative sessions. The website is intended to illustrate the current status of policies for each state, as well as key resources and model states for each policy.

Much of the information contained in this database is derived from the public domain, with links to resources provided. The information provided is made available solely for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Click here for full Terms of Use.

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