Cap-and-Invest emissions reporting
In Washington, businesses that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per year are required to report their emissions to our Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) builds off this existing reporting framework, but it also has specific emissions reporting requirements unique to the Cap-and-Invest Program.
Reporting emissions
Under the CCA, all businesses covered by the Cap-and-Invest Program must report their emissions so we can track program compliance and emissions-reduction progress over time.
The CCA's emissions reporting regulations are the same as those of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, as outlined in Chapter 173-441 WAC. All applicable emitters with more than 10,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per year must report to the program.
Only entities with more than 25,000 metric tons of covered emissions are required to participate in the Cap-and-Invest Program. Starting in emissions year 2025, electric power entities (EPEs) who meet the 10,000 metric ton of CO2 equivalent emissions reporting threshold and have over 0 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions from unspecified sources, will also have to participate in the Cap-and-Invest Program.
Emissions data
We publish emissions data annually in January on our Mandatory greenhouse gas reports webpage. Starting in 2022, this data set added emissions from new sectors, such as fuel suppliers and electric power entities. The published data is based on reporting requirements in Chapter 173-441 WAC.
Emissions reporting guidance and resources
You can find specific reporting requirements in the Chapter 173-441 WAC rule, and check out the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program webpage to find step-by-step instructions on how to submit reports.
We offer additional guidance on electric power and fuels below.
CCA annual reporting deadlines
In our 2022 rulemaking, we adopted a series of reporting deadlines that enable us to analyze the reported data, provide no cost allowances, and track businesses' compliance obligations in a timely manner each year.
EITEs, natural gas utilities, other fuel suppliers, and all other covered entities:
March 31
Reports for emissions due from all reporters (except electric power entities).
Electric power entities:
June 1
Reports for emissions due from electric power entities.
Trainings and tools for emissions reporting
Emissions reporting is the foundation of the Cap-and-Invest Program. To help covered businesses complete their reports in a timely and accurate manner, we've provided a series of trainings and reporting tools aimed at specific business sectors.
Visit our third-party verification page for recordings of the trainings and other resources for both reporting entities and verifiers.
Our reporting tools are built to help streamline the greenhouse gas emissions reporting process.
- Specified source registration reporting tool
- Fuel supplier reporting tool
- Facility reporting tool
- Electric power entity (EPE) reporting tool
Please reach out to GHGReporting@ecy.wa.gov with any questions, requests for assistance, or feedback.
There are currently no trainings scheduled for Cap-and-Invest emissions reporting or third-party emissions verification.
Other trainings
Click the "Past trainings" tab to the right for information about the recent trainings.
To be added to our email list for announcements of upcoming trainings, or if you don't see the training you're looking for, please email GHGReporting@ecy.wa.gov.
The following trainings were held in 2022 and 2023. To access the trainings, please follow the links below. If the training you're looking for isn't here, please email us.
Greenhouse Gas Registration system training
In December 2022, we held a training for all greenhouse gas reporters covering how to register for and use the updated Greenhouse Gas Registration platform.
This training is strongly recommended for anyone required to report emissions under Chapter 173-441 WAC, even if your business already reports or doesn't have emissions above the 25,000-metric-ton threshold for the Cap-and-Invest Program.
Facilities
In February 2023, we held a training for facility reporters, providing a step-by-step walk-through of our tool we provide to facilities to report their greenhouse gas emissions.
EITEs
In August 2022, we hosted an emissions reporting training for EITEs. Industries that fall into this category are outlined in the CCA and include oil refineries, pulp and paper mills, and large manufacturers.
Fuel suppliers
Ecology regulates both natural gas suppliers and suppliers of fuel other than natural gas.
In September 2022, we held a training for businesses participating in the Cap-and-Invest Program that supply fuels other than natural gas, such as gasoline, diesel, and propane.
EPEs
In August 2022, we recorded an emissions reporting training for Electric Power Entities (EPE) that provides an overview of EPE Reporting and a walk-through of the EPE Reporting Tool.
Introduction to third-party verification for reporters
In October and September of 2023, we held a trainings covering how to begin the third-party verification process in the Greenhouse Gas Registration platform, what to expect during the verification process, and how to prepare.
- Introduction to Greenhouse Gas Registration for verifiers training
- Tips for a successful third-party verification
Related links
- Interim Guidance on Reporting and Documenting Emissions from Exempt Fuels under the Cap-and-Invest Program: Watercraft, Agricultural, and Aviation Fuels
- Interim Guidance on Reporting and Documenting Emissions from Exempt Fuels under the Cap-and-Invest Program: Transporting Agricultural Products on Public Highways
- Washington Dept. of Ecology Exemption Certificate (Optional)
- Certificado de Exención del Departamento de Ecología del Estado de Washington (Opcional)
Contact information
- Emissions reporting and verification: GHGReporting@ecy.wa.gov
- Auctions, CITSS, or auction platform registration, or emails with market-sensitive information: RegistrarCCA@ecy.wa.gov (secure) or 360-407-6296
- Offset projects and credits: CCAOffsets@ecy.wa.gov
- General Climate Commitment Act questions: CCAQuestions@ecy.wa.gov