State agency greenhouse gas reporting

Washington is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help slow the impacts of climate change. State agencies are joining the effort. With direction from the Legislature, state agencies are working with us to monitor and reduce their emissions.

State Agency Climate Leadership Act

In 2020, the Legislature and Governor updated the State Agency Climate Leadership Act codified in Chapter 70A.45 RCW. The Act directs state agencies, including universities, colleges, and community and technical colleges to lead by example in reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to:

  • 15% below 2005 baseline by 2020
  • 45% below 2005 by 2030
  • 70% below 2005 by 2040
  • 95% below 2005 by 2050; achieve net zero

To track state agencies’ progress toward meeting these limits, each covered agency must report the following:

  • Every year
    • ​Estimate emissions using emissions calculator.
  • Even-numbered years
    • ​Report to the State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) office at the Department of Commerce
      • Actions taken over the last biennium to meet these emission-reduction targets.
      • Actions planned for the next two biennia to meet emission limits.
      • Long-term strategy for meeting the emission limits.
  • Odd-numbered years
    • ​State agencies will submit progress reports to SEEP. 

Legislative reports

Each biennium, we collaborate with SEEP to publish a progress report to the Legislature.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Washington State Government

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Washington State Government

Dec. 7, 2022 — Ecology and SEEP presented a progress report on state agency efforts to combat climate change to Gov. Jay Inslee.

Emissions reporting instructions and training

We are responsible for collecting emissions data. SEEP is responsible for working with state agencies on emission-reduction strategies. Our two agencies collaborate to combine reporting requirements, and we offer resources below to simplify the process. 

2024 reporting of 2023 data is due on May 31, 2024. Since 2024 is an even reporting year, SEEP requires that agencies also complete an in-depth online strategy form

Instructions

  1. Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account.
  2. Once your SAW account is active, follow the GHG emissions reporting instructions.
  3. Complete the GHG emissions calculator. Use DES leased and permanently assigned vehicle fuel use by agency tool to calculate fuel use, if needed.
  4. Complete the online GHG reduction strategy form.
  5. Upload the emissions calculator and any supplemental documents to SAGE.

Trainings

The following trainings are available. Please note these trainings are only for state agency GHG emissions and strategy reporting and are not relevant to other Ecology emissions reporting programs. The registration links will be replaced by recordings following the live events.

  • Gathering Data recorded Feb. 9, 2022. 
  • Completing the Calculator March 20, 2024, 9:30-11am.
    Register in advance for this training. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
  • Completing the Emission Reduction Strategy Web-form Apr 17, 2024 09:30-11am.
    Register in advance for this training. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Questions?

  • For questions about emission-reduction strategies, contact the SEEP office.
  • For questions about the emissions calculator or uploading documents to SAGE,contact Stacey Waterman

Other required greenhouse gas reports

Some agencies emit larger amounts of greenhouse gases and have additional reporting requirements to EPA and us. Visit EPA's greenhouse gas program to determine if your agency is required to report under federal requirements and visit our facilities greenhouse gas reporting page to check for additional state reporting requirements.