Chapter 173-444 WAC – Clean Energy Transformation Rule

On January 6, 2021, Ecology adopted a new rule, Chapter 173-444 WAC, Clean Energy Transformation Rule. This rule will implement parts of the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act (or CETA, Chapter 19.405 RCW) to transition away from electricity sources that depend on fossil fuels. CETA requires:

  • By 2030, at least 80 percent of the electricity used in Washington must come from clean energy sources (either renewable sources or sources that do not emit greenhouse gases).
  • By 2045, all electricity used in Washington must come from clean energy sources.

The rule:

  • Establishes a process to determine what types of energy transformation projects may be eligible to meet the Clean Energy Transformation Act.
  • Establishes a process and requirements to develop standards, methodologies, and procedures to evaluate energy transformation projects.
  • Provides methods to calculate greenhouse gas emission factors in electricity.

Rulemaking timeline

Announcement phase (CR-101)

Filing date:
Oct. 18, 2019


Announcement documents

Rule development phase

Oct. 18, 2019 – Sept. 1, 2020

Public input & involvement

Public comment period (informal)
Dec. 20, 2019 – April 20, 2020; extended to May 25, 2020

Read comments.
 

Ecology's meetings with stakeholders

Date Documents Location
Tuesday
Jan. 14, 2020
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Meeting summary
Ecology, Lacey (map to location)
webinar *
Wednesday
Feb. 12, 2020
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule outline
Economic questions
Meeting summary
Ecology, Lacey (map to location)
webinar *

Monday
March 16, 2020
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Agenda
Presentation
Meeting summary
in-person meeting CANCELLED (reduce spread of coronavirus)
webinar *
Thursday
April 9, 2020
9 a.m. – noon
none RESCHEDULED for May
webinar *
Wednesday
May 13, 2020
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Presentation
Meeting summary
Draft rule language
webinar *


* Webinar information:
   Register for each webinar to get your access code and password.
   To hear the webinar better or to call in only, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 1-855-929-3239.

Rule proposal phase (CR-102)

Filing date:
Sept. 2, 2020

Rule proposal documents:

Comment period

Comments were due by October 14, 2020.  We accepted comments in the following ways:

  • Read comments.
     
  • Attend a public hearing online (webinar):
    Oct. 6, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.
  • Mail to:  Debebe Dererie
       Department of Ecology
       Air Quality Program
       P.O. Box 47600
       Olympia, WA  98504-7600

Public hearing location

Date/Time:  Oct. 6, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

Location:  online (webinar)
   Register for the webinar.
   To hear the webinar better or to call in only, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 1-855-929-3239.

AgendaPresentation, question-and-answer session, followed by public hearing

Accessibility:  To request ADA accommodation for the public hearing, email Ecology’s ADA coordinator by Sept. 29, 2020.  Or call 360-407-6831, 711 (relay service), or 877-833-6341 (TTY).

Additional languages

Accessibility

To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.