Q: Which facilities does Ecology believe emit over 25,000 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent?
A: Ecology believes these facilities emit at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. (updated 08/11/09)
However, it is possible that there are additional facilities that Ecology is currently unaware of that meet or exceed this threshold. We will have more accurate information once facilities begin reporting their greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2010.
Q. How did Ecology develop the current emissions estimates?
A. To calculate facility-level emissions, Ecology used fuel-use data voluntarily reported to us and the local clean air agencies, and publicly available information from EPA and the Department of Energy. We multiplied fuel-use data by fuel-specific emissions factors from EPA to estimate total GHG emissions. Our emissions estimates do not include CO2 from biomass combustion. We used 2007 as the base year in most cases. For sources such as oil refineries, steel manufacturers, and aluminum smelters we also estimated non-combustion emissions from industrial processes.
The June 30 letter sent to facilities presented Ecology’s preliminary emissions estimates. Until mandatory GHG emission reporting begins in 2010, Ecology will not have access to more specific emissions data. We invite facilities to work with us to refine our current emissions estimates.
Q. How will Ecology determine “proportionate share”?
A. We will use our facility-level emissions estimate to develop each facility’s proportionate share of Washington’s 2020 emissions reductions. According to our current estimate, Washington will need to reduce 2020 emissions by about 18.5 million metric tons CO2e. Since the facilities included in this project collectively account for about 30 percent of the state’s GHG emissions, we assume the proportionate share will be each facility’s share of 30% of the total reductions required from statewide emissions.
Q. Why should facilities participate in this process?
A. The Executive Order directs Ecology to develop strategies to reduce emissions from major point sources in Washington. When facilities participate in developing those strategies, they help us understand the operations in their facilities so we can develop realistic, cost-effective opportunities to reduce GHG emissions.
In addition, the passage of legislation (H.R. 2454) out of the U.S. House of Representatives increases the chance of a federal cap-and-trade system launching in the near future. Under the bill’s provisions, the cap-and-trade system would cover all facilities that emit over 25,000 MT CO2e a year. Developing emissions reduction strategies now will enable a facility to understand its compliance options under cap-and-trade, and to get ahead of any federal or regional cap-and-trade programs.
Q. What will Ecology do with the emission reduction options developed as part of this project?
A. The emissions reduction options developed as part of this project will be part of a comprehensive approach to identifying actions to reduce GHG emissions to the statutory levels. Also, by October 1, 2010, Ecology must deliver to the Governor a plan outlining the reduction strategies and actions to achieve the state’s 2020 statutory emissions reductions.
Q. How is this different from other GHG reduction plans Ecology developed?
A. Ecology envisions this overall strategy will be more specific than previous plans. Previous GHG reduction plans in Washington have relied on a regional cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions from the industrial sector. The strategies identified as part of this process will look at reduction opportunities specific to the industrial sectors and sources within Washington.
Q. What if a facility believes their emissions data are confidential?
A. Ecology has received a public information request for emissions estimates from all of the facilities that we believe emit 25,000 metric tons of CO2e or more per year. We believe that overall GHG emissions estimates for each facility are public information.
If a facility reports any data to a state or local clean air agency they think meets the criteria for confidential information (RCW 70.94.205), they must certify the basis for their conclusion in a letter to Ecology. This request must be received by Ecology no later than August 10, 2009. It is important to us to keep any confidential data private.
Q. Can facilities work with Ecology to refine their emission estimate?
A. Yes, we ask facilities to work with us to refine and improve our estimate. Please contact Justin Brant or Eli Levitt with any technical questions, or if you would like to provide feedback to Ecology on the emissions estimates. If we do not hear from you by September 1, we will assume you accept our current emissions estimate for your facility.
Q. What are the next steps?
A. After the initial estimates are refined, the next step will be to collaboratively determine each facility’s proportionate share of the 2020 emissions reductions. Ecology must complete this work by December 1, 2009. Following that, we will work with each facility and sector to identify specific actions and strategies needed to achieve those reductions. We expect to develop this information working with facility operators, individually and in sector groups, as well as interested stakeholders.
Q. Can facilities participate in the implementation of this project?
A. Yes, Ecology is very interested in your ideas for implementing this project. We invite you to share your ideas with Janice Adair.
Q. How can facilities stay informed about this project?
A. We will keep facilities informed through email and this website.
