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

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  • Not Enacted
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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

The state has funded the creation of a database to track building materials purchased for state-funded infrastructure projects and two large Buy Clean and Buy Fair pilot projects.

State contractors must report on large construction projects, including suppliers’ declarations on environmental, health, and working conditions for covered products, such as concrete, steel, and engineered wood. The Department of Commerce must convene a working group to recommend policies to increase production and use of low-carbon construction materials.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Industrial Decarbonization 2024
Enacted
Empty column

The state prohibits the use of certain HFCs in refrigeration equipment, air conditioning chillers, aerosol propellants, and foams that are manufactured or used in Washington.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
F-gas Regulations 2021
Enacted
Empty column

Electric power entities that import or deliver electricity equivalent to or greater than 10,000 metric tons of CO2e must report their emissions

Establishing Policies
Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
F-gas Regulations 2010
Not Enacted
Empty column

Oil and gas methane regulations include phasedown commitments, reporting requirements, leak detection and repair, or other measures that reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Oil and Gas Regulations
Enacted
Empty column

Hydraulic fracking for the exploration and production of natural gas is banned.

Establishing Policies
Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Oil and Gas Regulations 2019
Enacted
Empty column

Landfill owners and operators must install gas collection and control equipment, energy recovery devices, and/or treatment and processing systems to reduce their methane emissions. The rule requires quarterly monitoring of the landfill surface, quarterly monitoring of gas collection and control system equipment, and a timeline to ensure any methane leaks are quickly fixed.

Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Waste Management 2024
Enacted
Empty column

Food waste target – 75% reduction by 2030, relative to 2015 levels.

Establishing Policies
Industry, Materials, and Waste Management
Waste Management 2022

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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