Cap-and-invest emissions reporting

In Washington, businesses that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent per year are required to report their emissions to our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Program. The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) builds off of this existing reporting framework, but also has specific emissions reporting requirements unique to the cap-and-invest program.

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Trainings available!

In December 2022, we held a training covering how to register and submit emissions reports in the updated GHG Registration platform. Any business that is required to report its emissions needs to register in this updated platform. Please email us for a link to the recording and a copy of the slides.

Cap-and-invest help desks

For any questions about emissions reporting and verification, please contact GHGReporting@ecy.wa.gov.

For any questions about registering to participate in cap-and-invest auctions and trading, please contact R egistrarCCA@ecy.wa.gov.

For any other questions about the cap-and-invest program, you can direct inquires to the point of contact found at the bottom of this page.

Reporting emissions

Under the CCA, all businesses covered by the cap-and-invest program must report their emissions so that we can track program compliance and emissions-reduction progress over time.

In addition, the Legislature designated three business types — natural gas utilities, electric utilities, and "emissions-intensive, trade-exposed" entities (EITEs) — that receive some of their emissions allowances for free. These businesses must report additional information so that we can determine the number of no cost allowances they should receive. We will provide trainings for entities that need to submit specialized information.

The CCA's emissions reporting regulations are the same as those of the GHG Reporting Program, as outlined in Chapter 173-441 WAC, which outlines our emissions reporting regulations. All applicable emitters with more than 10,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions per year must report to the program.

However, only entities with more than 25,000 metric tons of covered emissions are required to participate in the CCA's cap-and-invest program and obtain allowances to cover their emissions.

Yes, the emissions verification team does review reported information for accuracy under the GHG Reporting Program. However, Chapter 173-441 WAC also requires covered businesses to contract with an independent third-party verifier of their choosing. Third party verifiers will review submitted emissions and production data for accuracy and report their findings to us on an annual basis.

Fuels

Electric Power

CCA reporting deadlines

In our recent rulemaking, we adopted a series of reporting deadlines that will enable us to analyze the reported data, provide nocost allowances, and track businesses' compliance obligations in a timely manner — keeping Washington on track to acheive total carbon neutrality by 2050.

Emissions reporting trainings

In order to help covered businesses participate effectively in the cap-and-invest program, we are providing a series of trainings aimed at specific business types that need to submit reports in addition to what is required under the GHG Reporting Program.

Timely and accurate emissions reporting is a critical part of fulfilling a business's cap-and-invest compliance obligation, so we strongly encourage anyone with covered emissions to participate in the relevant trainings.

Upcoming trainings
Past trainings

We are working to schedule emissions reporting trainings for electric power entities, facilities, and third-party emissions verification experts. Information about how to register for these trainings will be posted once available.

Click the Past Trainings tab, to the right, for information about the recent training we held covering how to register for and use the updated GHG Registration platform (GHGReg), as well as our specialized reporting trainings for EITEs and fuel suppliers.

The following trainings were held in 2022. To request a link to the recording and a copy of the slides for any of these trainings, please email us using the links below.

GHG Registration System Training

In December 2022, we held a training for all GHG reporters covering how to register for and use the updated GHG Registration platform (GHGReg).

This training is strongly recommended for anyone that is required to report emissions under Chapter 173-441 WAC, even if your business already reports or does not have emissions above the 25,000 metric ton threshold for the cap-and-invest program.

Request the GHGReg training

EITEs

In August 2022, we hosted an emissions reporting training for EITEs. Industries that fall into this category are outlined in the CCA, and include oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, and large manufacturers.

Request the EITE training

Fuel Suppliers

In September 2022, we held a training for businesses participating in the cap-and-invest program that supply fuels other than natural gas, such as gasoline, diesel, and propane.

Request the Fuel Supplier training

Contact information

Claire Boyte-White
Cap-and-Invest Policy Relations
Claire.Boyte-White@ecy.wa.gov
360-764-6124

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Cap-and-invest emissions reporting

Trainings available!

Cap-and-invest help desks

Reporting emissions

Fuels

Electric Power

CCA reporting deadlines

Sept. 15, 2022

Nov. 15, 2022

March 31, 2023

June 1, 2023

Important information for EPE reporting:

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

Emissions reporting trainings

GHG Registration System Training

EITEs

Fuel Suppliers

Related links

Contact information