On December 22, 2008, the Washington State Department of Ecology released “Growing Washington’s Economy in a Carbon-Constrained World: A Comprehensive Plan to Address the Challenges and Opportunities of Climate Change.” The plan includes policies to meet the state’s emission reduction targets of 1990 levels by 2020, 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2035, and 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The Department of Ecology recommends that Washington participate in the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), a regional cap-and-trade program that includes six other U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. The Department also suggests adopting a number of complementary policies recommended by the Climate Action Team, including measures to improve building efficiency, reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled through increased public transportation, and to foster compact and transit-oriented development.
The Department of Ecology’s report focuses on policies to meet the state’s 2020 goal and indicates that participation in the WCI, together with complementary policies already in place, will be sufficient for meeting the 2020 goal. Future reports will include strategies to meet the 2035 and 2050 goals.
WA Plan
Washington Legislation Establishing Targets (E2SHB 2815)
Climate Action Plans
