Climate Change > Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Washington State is addressing the challenge of climate change by taking responsible and thoughtful actions. The State is taking a comprehensive approach in developing and implementing practical and coordinated set of policies and solutions to meet the greenhouse gas emissions reductions adopted into law in 2008, and to unleash innovation, investment and job creation. A broad coalition of leaders, stakeholders and the public are offering their thoughts and ideas as the State leads the way on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, growing the clean energy economy and reducing our reliance on imported fuels.

2010 Comprehensive Plan

In 2008, the Washington State Legislature approved the Climate Change Framework E2SHB 2815, which established state greenhouse gas emissions reduction limits in law RCW 70.235.020 and directed Ecology to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce the state’s greenhouse emissions. Ecology has now published the second edition of that plan.
> See more about 2010 Comprehensive Plan.

Executive Order 09-05

On May 21, 2009, Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered state actions to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, to increase transportation and fuel-conservation options for Washington residents, and protect our state’s water supplies and vulnerable coastal areas.
> See more about Executive Order 09-05.

SEPA and climate change

The Washington Department of Ecology has prepared a draft working paper for lead agencies for use when evaluating proposals under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) that will result in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and/or may be vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
> See more about SEPA and climate change.

State Agency Climate Leadership

In 2009, the Washington State Legislature approved the State Agency Climate Leadership Act E2SSB 5560, which established greenhouse gas emissions reduction limits for state agencies in law (RCW 70.235.050 and RCW 70.235.060) and directed state agencies to quantify GHG emissions, report on actions taken to reduce GHG emissions, and develop a strategy to meet the GHG reduction targets.
> See more about State Agency Climate Leadership.

Carbon Smart

Gov. Chris Gregoire has challenged Ecology to reduce our agency’s carbon emissions and to serve as a model for what other state agencies can do. Ecology is already in the forefront of shrinking the state’s carbon footprint. Now, we’re taking the next step — to find new opportunities to reduce costs and our carbon footprint. We’ll take a hard look at how we care for our facilities and grounds, use energy, purchase equipment, and conduct our business.
> See more about Carbon Smart.