Bill > SB6246

This bill modifies the Climate Commitment Act to provide updated guidelines and reporting requirements for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) facilities, which are industries that produce significant emissions and are at risk of moving to regions with less stringent environmental regulations. Key provisions include clarifying which industries are considered EITE by referencing specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes as they existed on January 1, 2026, and expanding the definition to include "facilities" rather than just "manufacturing businesses." The bill also establishes a framework for how these facilities will receive free allowances (permits to emit greenhouse gases) through 2034, with decreasing allocations over time to encourage emissions reductions, and introduces a new requirement for EITE facilities to report on their emissions and assess technically and economically feasible measures for reducing them, with a deadline of December 1, 2028, for the first report. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Ecology to develop recommendations for the legislature by December 1, 2026, regarding allowance allocation for EITE facilities from 2035 to 2050, considering factors like emissions leakage, auctioning a portion of allowances for reinvestment in emissions reduction projects, and other supporting policies. Finally, it requires an independent study by December 1, 2028, to assess the risk of emissions and job leakage from these facilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6246&Year=2025&Initiative=false