Bill > HB2170

This bill expands the Department of Natural Resources' ability to generate revenue by selling ecosystem services, particularly carbon offset credits, on public lands. The legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for the department to enter carbon markets and ecosystem service marketplaces, similar to rights already held by private landowners. Key provisions include authorizing the department to enter contracts for ecosystem service projects up to 125 years long, directly sell ecosystem service credits, and work with third-party developers or brokers to market and sell credits. The bill defines important terms like "carbon credit" and "ecosystem service credit" and provides legislative findings that highlight the potential economic and environmental benefits, such as increasing revenue streams, supporting climate mitigation efforts, and providing additional benefits like reforestation, habitat creation, and water management. The legislation also amends several existing laws to integrate ecosystem services into the department's land management strategies, ensuring that proceeds from these projects are deposited into appropriate state treasury accounts. The bill aims to position Washington state as a leader in monetizing ecosystem services while benefiting trust beneficiaries and the state's environmental goals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2170&Year=2025&Initiative=false