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.
Emissions reporting instructions and training
We are responsible for collecting emissions data. SEEP is responsible for working with state agencies on emission-reduction strategies. Now, our two agencies have combined reporting requirements, and we offer resources below to simplify the process.
Reporting is due on May 26, 2023. Since 2023 is an odd reporting year, SEEP requires that agencies also complete the online strategy update form.
Instructions
- Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account.
- Once your SAW account is active, use the GHG emissions reporting instructions.
- Complete the GHG emissions calculator. Use DES leased and permanently assigned vehicle fuel use by agency tool to calculate fuel use, if needed.
- Complete the online GHG reduction strategy update form.
- Upload the emissions calculator and any supplemental documents to SAGE.
Training videos
Videos from our trainings in 2022–2023 are now available:
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‑Hoey.
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.