Environment (Waste Management)

SB 6092 creates a specific allowance for Washington State's only waste-to-energy facility under the climate cap-and-invest program. It grants the facility "no cost" emissions allowances equal to 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions for the first two compliance periods (starting 2027), then 97% for the third period, and declines by 3% each subsequent period. This policy directly affects only the state's single waste-to-energy plant, treating it equivalently to other waste management systems under the climate law. The allowances are calculated based on the facility's annual emissions reports and adjusted to ensure compliance with the state's climate program requirements.

SB 5703 exempts Washington’s only waste-to-energy municipal solid waste facility from the state’s cap-and-invest program requirements. The bill adds a narrow exemption for this specific facility, based on a 2024 Ecology study finding it emits fewer greenhouse gases than landfill alternatives. It directly affects the county and city solid waste management program operating this facility by removing its emissions reporting obligations under the cap-and-invest program. The exemption applies to the facility’s emissions exceeding 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, aligning it with other covered entities under the program. This change ensures the facility is treated equally with other waste systems under the cap-and-invest framework.