State agency greenhouse gas reporting
Washington is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help slow the impacts of climate change. State agencies are joining the effort. With direction from the Legislature, state agencies are working with us to monitor and reduce their emissions.
State Agency Climate Leadership Act
In 2020, the Legislature and Governor updated the State Agency Climate Leadership Act codified in Chapter 70A.45 RCW. The Act directs state agencies, including universities, colleges, and community and technical colleges to lead by example in reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to:
- 15% below 2005 baseline by 2020
- 45% below 2005 by 2030
- 70% below 2005 by 2040
- 95% below 2005 by 2050; achieve net zero
To track state agencies’ progress toward meeting these limits, each covered agency must report the following:
- Every year
- Estimate emissions using emissions calculator.
- Even-numbered years
- Report to the State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) office at the Department of Commerce
- Actions taken over the last biennium to meet these emission-reduction targets.
- Actions planned for the next two biennia to meet emission limits.
- Long-term strategy for meeting the emission limits.
- Report to the State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP) office at the Department of Commerce
- Odd-numbered years
- State agencies will submit progress reports to SEEP.
Legislative reports
Each biennium, we collaborate with SEEP to publish a progress report to the Legislature.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Washington State Government
- 2023 — Seventh biennial
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Washington State Government
- 2021 — Sixth biennial
- 2019 — Fifth biennial
- 2017 — Fourth biennial
- 2015 — Third biennial
- 2012 — Second biennial
- 2010 — First biennial
Dec. 7, 2022 — Ecology and SEEP presented a progress report on state agency efforts to combat climate change to Gov. Jay Inslee.
Emissions reporting instructions and training
We're responsible for collecting emissions data. SEEP is responsible for working with state agencies on emission-reduction strategies. Our two agencies collaborate to combine reporting requirements, and we have resources below to simplify the process.
2024 reporting of 2023 data is due May 31, 2024. Since 2024 is an even reporting year, SEEP requires that agencies also complete an in-depth online strategy form.
Instructions
- Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account.
- Once your SAW account is active, follow the greenhouse gas emissions reporting instructions.
- Complete the greenhouse gas emissions calculator. Use DES leased and permanently assigned vehicle fuel use by agency tool to calculate fuel use, if needed.
- Complete the online greenhouse gas reduction strategy form.
- Upload the emissions calculator and any supplemental documents to SAGE (login required).
Trainings
The following trainings are available. Please note these trainings are only for state agency greenhouse gas emissions and strategy reporting and are not relevant to other Ecology emissions reporting programs. The registration links will be replaced by recordings following the live events.
- Gathering Data, recorded Feb. 9, 2022.
- Completing the Calculator, recorded March 20, 2024.
- Completing the Emission Reduction Strategy Web-form, recorded Apr 17, 2024.
Questions?
- For questions about emission-reduction strategies, contact the SEEP office.
- For questions about the emissions calculator or uploading documents to SAGE (login required), contact Stacey Waterman
Other required greenhouse gas reports
Some agencies emit larger amounts of greenhouse gases and have additional reporting requirements to EPA and us. Visit EPA's greenhouse gas program to determine if your agency is required to report under federal requirements and visit our facilities greenhouse gas reporting page to check for additional state reporting requirements.
Related links
Contact information
Stacey Waterman
Climate Policy Analyst
swat461@ecy.wa.gov
360-764-6178
Hanna Waterstrat
Director State Efficiency and Environmental Performance Office
hanna.waterstrat@commerce.wa.gov
360-764-0015