Bill > HB2150

This bill aims to make the implementation of Washington state's climate policies contingent on the Department of Ecology providing timely and transparent greenhouse gas emissions reporting. The bill finds that despite existing legal requirements, the department has failed to produce a comprehensive emissions inventory in a timely manner, which prevents the public and policymakers from evaluating the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of climate policies. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Department of Ecology publish a complete greenhouse gas emissions inventory updated quarterly beginning January 1, 2027, with each update cataloging total emissions for the preceding calendar year. If the department fails to meet these quarterly reporting requirements, multiple climate-related programs will immediately cease, including the zero emission vehicle program, refrigerant management program, cap and invest program, clean fuels program, renewable energy standards, and energy performance standards for buildings. The legislation emphasizes the need for data-driven, transparent, and accountable climate policies, arguing that the public deserves clear evidence that the high-cost regulatory programs are actually reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The bill sets specific emissions reduction targets for the state, ranging from returning to 1990 levels by 2020 to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and seeks to ensure these goals are measurable and verifiable through consistent, timely reporting.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2150&Year=2025&Initiative=false