The entire world faces an existential threat when it comes to climate change, but Washington has been a leader across the United States in passing innovative policies that will help our state prepare and adapt. We still have plenty of work ahead to ensure our state’s natural resources are protected for generations to come, but we have taken massive steps in the right direction.
- SB 5126, the Climate Commitment Act, establishes a cap and invest program and reduces greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors.
- HB 1091, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, directs the Washington state Department of Ecology to establish a Clean Fuels Program that would significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions by set percentages.
- The largest source of emissions in Washington comes from the state’s transportation sector. Move Ahead Washington prioritizes investment in climate mitigation and moving towards a sustainable transportation sector that relies more on renewable energy, and less on fossil fuels. From stormwater investments, to the nation’s most ambitious EV goals, to salmon pathway recovery, the transportation package priorities a shift towards sustainability.
- SB 5722 will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in buildings by expanding building performance standards to larger buildings.
Washington’s natural environment is full of oceans, rainforests, dense woods, and ecosystems that encourage a diverse array of wildlife, but we must act now to protect them for the next generations.