Climate Pollution Reduction

Measuring annual greenhouse gas emissions

We collect emissions data from the state’s largest emitters. This data, which makes up about 70% of the state’s emissions, gives us a rough idea of where Washington’s emissions are headed. They’re also used to run Washington’s Cap-and-Invest program. 

To calculate Washington’s total greenhouse gas emissions, we use a variety of data sources. The statewide total is released each year through a report called the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which gives policymakers the information they need to evaluate climate progress. 

The Climate Commitment Act

The Climate Commitment Act is the cornerstone of Washington’s climate strategy. It puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions through a market-based system called Cap-and-Invest. 

Cap-and-Invest sets a declining annual limit, or “cap,” on total emissions from the state’s largest sources. These businesses must compete to purchase allowances for every metric ton of greenhouse gases they release into the atmosphere or reduce their emissions. We sell fewer allowances over time, and companies get to choose their most cost-effective path forward. Lawmakers then invest the revenue generated by allowance sales in local climate and air quality projects throughout the state.

Decarbonizing transportation

Vehicle emissions standards give people and businesses more electric and plug-in hybrid options to choose when purchasing a new vehicle. They also ensure that any new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles sold in Washington pollute less. These regulations only apply to manufacturers—they don’t place any restrictions on buyers.

The Clean Fuel Standard works alongside vehicle emissions standards to decarbonize transportation. While vehicle emissions standards get more clean vehicles on our roads, the Clean Fuel standard drives investment in lower-carbon fuels that power vehicles, such as electricity, renewable diesel, hydrogen, and other low-carbon options.

The program tracks fuel volumes and carbon intensity statewide while supporting a market that rewards cleaner fuel production and use.

Reducing climate super pollutants

We implement regulations that are designed to transition Washington away from refrigeration and cooling products that use fluorinated gases, which can be hundreds to thousands of times more damaging than carbon dioxide.

These refrigerant regulations restrict the sale and use of the most harmful products and require businesses to prevent leaks so that equipment that still uses fluorinated gases don’t accidentally escape into the atmosphere.

Planning for the future

Washington has a strong set of climate policies, but it’s likely that Washington will need to do more to achieve the 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is required by state law. Ecology and the Department of Commerce developed the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan with the help of groups across the state to maps out emissions-reductions opportunities across every single sector of the economy.