Chapter 173-445 WAC – Greenhouse Gas Assessment for Projects
This rulemaking is currently paused. Ecology is awaiting further direction from the Governor’s office.
We are conducting rulemaking as directed by Gov. Jay Inslee. The purpose of this rulemaking is to create a new rule, Chapter 173-445 WAC, Greenhouse Gas Assessment for Projects, also known as the GAP rule. This rulemaking will:
- Address analysis and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions for environmental assessments of industrial and fossil fuel projects.
- Provide consistent and comprehensive assessment methods for industrial and fossil fuel projects.
- Provide clarity and transparency to industry, the public, and agencies.
Rulemaking is ongoing for the Climate Commitment Act and Clean Fuel Standard, and we want to consider the public input on these rules and evaluate any potential intersections with the new rules and the GAP rule.
We will be pausing the GAP rulemaking to allow time to thoughtfully consider the new rules and potential implications for the GAP rule.
Further updates to the timeline will be posted to this webpage and will also be sent to the GAP Rulemaking email list.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
April 30, 2020
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
April 30, 2020 to 2023Public input & involvement
We held five public webinars from June through November 2020 on our initial thoughts for the GAP rule and asked questions to gather input. In March 2021, we provided additional documents for input and feedback and held an informal comment period. The information included:
- A GAP Rule Framework to provide context,
- Draft GAP rule language for the definitions and applicability sections, and
- Questions on mitigation for the GAP rule.
We will consider the feedback and input we have received throughout this process to develop the draft GAP rule.
You can provide input and feedback for the rule using our online comment form, or view comments already submitted on our eComments page.
You can also submit input and feedback by emailing gap‑rule@ecy.wa.gov. All comments received are subject to public disclosure and applicable public records laws.
Ecology's past meetings with stakeholders
| Date | Topic | Location | Online Access |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Thursday |
Agenda:
|
Webinar | This meeting has concluded. View the video of our June 25 presentation on YouTube. |
| Thursday July 23, 2020 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. |
Agenda:
|
Webinar |
This meeting has concluded. View the video of our July 23 presentation on YouTube. |
| Thursday Aug. 27, 2020 9:30 a.m. – noon |
Agenda:
|
Webinar |
This meeting has concluded. View the video of our Aug. 27 presentation on YouTube. |
| Thursday Sept. 24, 2020 |
Cancelled | Webinar |
This meeting has been cancelled. |
| Thursday Oct. 29, 2020 9:30 a.m. – noon |
Agenda:
|
Webinar |
This meeting has concluded. View the video of our Oct. 29 presentation on YouTube. |
| Tuesday Nov. 17, 2020 9 a.m. – noon |
Agenda:
|
Webinar |
This meeting has concluded. View the video of our Nov. 17 presentation on YouTube. |
Related links
Contact information
Fran Sant
Rulemaking Lead
gap-rule@ecy.wa.gov
360-529-6375
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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.