Bill > HB1630

This bill addresses livestock methane emissions by requiring dairy farms and feed lots in Washington state to report their annual methane output to the state department. Recognizing that methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, the legislature seeks to better understand the scale of emissions from these agricultural operations. Beginning January 1st of the year following the adoption of implementation rules, owners or operators of dairy farms (licensed milk producers) and certified feed lots must submit an annual report detailing their total metric tons of methane emissions from the previous calendar year. For the first report, businesses can estimate their emissions by calculating the average total monthly emissions over a consecutive three-month period. The department responsible for implementing these regulations is required to establish a reporting schedule that provides reasonable lead time for the first report. By mandating this reporting, the state aims to gather critical information about the agricultural sector's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and support broader climate change mitigation efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1630&Year=2025&Initiative=false