Environment (Climate Change)

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1417: Establishing an embodied carbon tax on cigarettes.

HB 1417 imposes a new $0.0015 per cigarette tax based on the carbon emissions from cigarette production ("embodied carbon"), starting October 1, 2025. The tax increases every five years beginning October 2030 by 25% plus the annual inflation rate (measured by CPI), rounded to the nearest cent. This tax applies to cigarette manufacturers or sellers who collect it at the point of sale, with all revenue deposited into the state's general fund. The bill directly affects cigarette producers and retailers by adding this carbon-based tax to existing cigarette excise taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes new carbon-based cigarette tax, directing revenue to general fund, increasing state tax revenue and budget resources.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentTax on cigarette production carbon emissions incentivizes emission reduction, directly advancing environmental protection through carbon pricing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes State Budget Climate Change

Track

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5698: Concerning the compliance obligation under the climate commitment act for certain municipal gas utilities.

SB 5698 creates an alternative compliance pathway for small municipal gas utilities in Washington that emitted under 27,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually before 2022. These utilities can opt out of the standard climate program by submitting a detailed emissions reduction plan by September 1, 2025, demonstrating they will cut emissions below 22,500 tons annually by 2030 while spending at least as much on reductions as required under the standard program. If they miss the 2030 target or exceed 22,500 tons after 2030, they must revert to full compliance and pay penalties for each ton short. The bill directly affects qualifying small municipal gas utilities, adjusting their obligations under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act without changing requirements for larger entities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires small gas utilities to reduce emissions below 22,500 tons annually by 2030 via spending equivalent to standard program, advancing climate goals within energy policy.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates emissions reductions below 22,500 tons by 2030 for small utilities, requiring comparable spending on reductions as standard program, maintaining climate goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

Track

signed · Washington · House May 13, 2025

HB 1018: Adding fusion energy to facilities that may obtain site certification for the purposes of chapter 80.50 RCW.

HB 1018 expands Washington state's energy facility site certification process to include fusion energy facilities. This means that proposed fusion energy projects will now be eligible for review and approval by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). The bill integrates fusion energy into the existing framework for siting major energy infrastructure, aiming to streamline the application process for such facilities. This policy change aligns with the state's goals to develop clean energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyIntegrates fusion energy into siting process, advancing clean energy infrastructure development per state's clean energy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIntegrates fusion energy (clean, low-emission) into site certification process, advancing clean energy infrastructure per state environmental goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Climate Change

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1630: Concerning livestock methane emissions.

HB 1630 requires dairy farms and certified feed lots in Washington State to annually report their methane emissions starting January 1st following rule adoption. It directly affects licensed dairies (under chapter 15.36 RCW) and certified feed lots by mandating they submit annual reports detailing total methane emissions from the previous year. The bill allows initial reports to use a three-month average for estimation and directs the department to establish reporting rules and schedules. This legislation aims to fill a data gap in understanding livestock methane contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, without setting emission limits or requiring reductions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates annual methane emissions reporting from dairies/feed lots, advancing climate action and pollution monitoring per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

Track

signed · Washington · House May 17, 2025

HB 1409: Concerning the clean fuels program.

House Bill 1409 modifies Washington's clean fuels program, directing the Department of Ecology to establish rules that reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. It assigns compliance obligations to fuel providers whose products exceed carbon intensity standards and awards credits to those whose fuels are below standards, allowing these credits to be traded. The bill sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels to 55 percent below 2017 levels by no earlier than January 1, 2038, following a specified annual reduction schedule. It also outlines penalties for non-compliance with reporting and credit requirements, while exempting exported fuels.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyModifies clean fuels program to reduce transportation emissions by 55% below 2017 levels, promoting lower-carbon fuels through compliance obligations and credit trading for providers meeting carbon intensity standards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly reduces transportation GHG emissions through carbon intensity standards and credit trading, targeting 55% below 2017 levels to protect environment.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationModifies clean fuels program to reduce carbon intensity of transportation fuels, aligning with sustainable transportation goals through emissions targets and credit trading system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1856: Concerning the compliance obligation under the climate commitment act for certain municipal gas utilities.

HB 1856 creates an alternative pathway for small municipal gas utilities (those with pre-2022 emissions under 27,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) to meet climate goals under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. These utilities can opt out of standard compliance by submitting a plan by September 1, 2025, demonstrating they will reduce emissions below 22,500 tons annually by 2030 while spending funds equivalent to their standard compliance costs. If they miss the 2030 target, they revert to full compliance and pay penalties for each ton of emissions exceeding the threshold from 2026-2030. The bill adjusts the state’s emissions program rules for 2026 onward if utilities choose this pathway, ensuring continued emissions accountability.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates alternative compliance pathway for small gas utilities to meet emissions targets under Climate Commitment Act, advancing climate goals and reducing fossil fuel reliance while maintaining emission reduction requirements.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables small utilities to meet 2030 emissions target (below 22,500 tons) via flexible compliance plan, aligning with Climate Commitment Act goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1071: Implementing strategies to achieve higher recycling rates within Washington's existing solid waste management system.

HB 1071 aims to increase Washington's recycling rate to 65% for packaging by requiring producers to use more recycled content in their products and establishing a single statewide list of accepted recyclable materials to reduce confusion. It mandates a state-specific needs assessment to identify funding and infrastructure needs, addresses contamination in recycling streams, and expands recycled content requirements for packaging and paper products. The bill directly affects manufacturers (producers) of packaging and paper goods, as well as local governments managing curbside recycling programs. Key provisions include standardizing what can be recycled across the state, studying non-recyclable packaging labels, and ensuring equal access to affordable recycling services. The legislation builds on Washington's existing recycling infrastructure while targeting greenhouse gas reductions in the solid waste sector.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases recycling rates via producer requirements, mandates recycled content, reduces contamination - directly advances environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Recycling Waste Management

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1458: Reducing embodied carbon emissions of buildings and building materials.

HB 1458 requires large new construction, additions, and renovations (50,000+ square feet) to reduce embodied carbon emissions from building materials. It offers three compliance paths: reusing 45% of existing structures, demonstrating a 90% reduction in emissions for covered materials, or conducting a whole-building life-cycle assessment. Projects must report data through a public database managed by the Department of Commerce, including material choices and compliance methods. The law applies to all covered projects under the International Building Code and mandates verification by licensed design professionals.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires emissions reduction in building materials, lowering carbon footprint and supporting clean energy infrastructure goals through embodied carbon standards.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates reduction of embodied carbon emissions in building materials via specific compliance paths, directly targeting climate impact and aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Recycling

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1226: Making supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium.

HB 1226 allocates $2.7 million from the Multimodal Transportation Account to fund the University of Washington’s sidewalk accessibility mapping project, requiring public data sharing and prioritizing overburdened communities. It also appropriates $1 million to the Washington State Transportation Center for engineering internships, training programs, and a workforce analysis addressing shortages in civil engineering and related fields. Additionally, $6 million from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Account funds zero-emission electric vehicle charging infrastructure at state facilities, with reporting requirements on installation locations and carbon impact. The bill mandates annual project updates to legislative committees and prioritizes installations based on state environmental goals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $2.7M and $1M for transportation infrastructure and workforce programs, advancing budget appropriations for public services.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $2.7M for UW sidewalk accessibility (higher ed infrastructure) and $1M for engineering internships/workforce training, directly funding education-related initiatives.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates $6M from Carbon Emissions Reduction fund, directly funding climate action. Explicit reference to emissions reduction confirms environmental intent.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllocates $2.7M for sidewalk mapping, $1M for transportation workforce training, and $6M for carbon reduction - funding infrastructure and sustainable transit projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Climate Change Electric Vehicles Pedestrian Safety Transportation Funding

Track

signed · Washington · House May 17, 2025

HB 1462: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrofluorocarbons.

HB 1462 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by regulating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in Washington state. It prohibits the sale or distribution of new bulk HFCs with a global warming potential (GWP) exceeding 1,500 starting January 1, 2030, and exceeding 750 starting January 1, 2033. The bill encourages the use of reclaimed HFCs and establishes a task force to study the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants and enhance recovery and reclamation. This legislation primarily affects businesses involved in selling, distributing, or using HFCs in equipment such as refrigeration and air conditioning.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill regulates high-GWP HFCs in refrigeration (energy infrastructure), promotes climate-friendly alternatives, and reduces emissions - aligning with clean energy transition goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRegulates HFCs with high GWP to reduce emissions, promotes climate-friendly alternatives, and establishes task force for transition - directly advances environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change