Chapter 173-446 WAC – Cap-and-Invest Offsets
We propose to update Chapter 173-446 WAC, Climate Commitment Act Program Rule. This rulemaking may consider amendments to address new and revised Cap-and-Invest offset protocols. Offsets are projects or programs designed to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
In the Cap-and-Invest Program, offset projects must also provide direct environmental benefits to Washington state. Offsets allow businesses to balance out the negative impacts of their emissions by funding a project that benefits the environment, such as capturing methane on dairy farms or planting trees in urban areas.
The scope of this rulemaking may consider adding or updating protocols to increase the potential variety of offset projects that can be developed within the Cap-and-Invest Program, as directed by RCW 70A.65.170(4)(b). This statute directs Ecology to conduct rulemaking that makes sure any updates or additions to the offset program are both based in the best available science, and support the needs of landowners and communities in Washington.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
Sept. 12, 2023
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
September 12, 2023 – Fall 2024Public input & involvement
We plan to hold public meetings to provide information about the rulemaking and seek your input. We'll update this page with meeting specifics. To get updates about these meetings and this rulemaking, join our email list.
Draft rule language
Below are the most updated drafts of the rule language:
Public comment period (informal)
Nov. 9, 2023, at midnight – Sept. 27, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Read comments about which offset protocols should be revised or added, and comment about the scope of this rulemaking.
Public comment period (informal)
Oct. 1, 2024, at noon – Oct. 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Read comments on the draft rule language and considered revisions to the ODS protocol.
Ecology's public meetings
| Date | Documents | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
Offsets Rulemaking Informational Meeting Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 |
Presentation | |
|
ODS Protocol Working Group Tuesday, April 23, 2024 |
Presentation | Virtual |
|
ODS Protocol Working Group Friday, May 17, 2024 |
Presentation | Virtual |
|
U.S. Forestry Protocol Working Group Tuesday, June 4, 2024 |
Presentation | Virtual |
|
ODS Protocol Working Group Tuesday, June 25, 2024 |
Presentation | Virtual |
|
U.S. Forestry Protocol Working Group Tuesday, July 2, 2024 |
Presentation | Meeting recording |
|
U.S. Forestry Protocol Working Group Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 |
Presentation | Meeting recording |
|
U.S. Forestry Protocol Working Group Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024 |
Presentation | Meeting recording |
|
Environmental Justice Working Group Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 |
Presentation | Meeting Recording |
|
U.S. Forestry Protocol Working Group Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 |
Presentation | Meeting recording |
|
Offsets Rulemaking Public Meeting Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 |
Presentation | Meeting recording |
|
Environmental Justice Listening Session Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 |
Presentation | Session recording |
|
Environmental Justice Working Group Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 |
Meeting recording | |
|
U.S. Forestry Protocol Working Group Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 |
Register for Meeting | |
|
Environmental Justice Working Group Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 |
Register for Meeting |
Webinar information
Register for each webinar to get your meeting ID and passcode.
To hear the webinar better or to call in only, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 253‑215‑8782.
Related links
Contact information
Nikki Harris
Rulemaking Lead
nikki.harris@ecy.wa.gov
360-764-6018
Stay informed
Join our email list
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.