In the News

Washington’s second quarterly auction for pollution allowances will likely bring in more than $557 million, a higher-than-expected jump in revenue that the state can put toward programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.

The passage of the Climate Commitment Act in 2021 was a historic moment in Washington’s efforts to address the devastating effects of climate damage. It sent a loud and clear message to those who have polluted our air and water for far too long: enough is enough. It is time for polluters to be held accountable for their actions and ...

Washington state lawmakers voted to bar utilities from shutting off people’s power and water when high temperatures are forecast. House Bill 1329 passed the Senate last week and now awaits Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature, which may happen as soon as Thursday.

Washington’s first auction of greenhouse gas pollution allowances generated $300 million. Now, state senators are proposing to invest millions from the program in electrifying ports, schools and homes, conserving old forests, and helping relocate Indigenous communities who are vulnerable to climate change.

In the final days of the state legislative session, Seattle lawmakers quietly bailed out a hotel-based homeless shelter program that ran out of money in early April, using $6 million in “underspend” from a program that addresses encampments in state-owned rights-of-way to keep the hotels open while the King County Homelessness Authority tries to find places for hotel residents to ...

Washington’s first auction of greenhouse-gas pollution allowances raised an estimated $300 million in a closely watched sale as companies, consumers and the Legislature get their first glimpse of the cost of emitting in the state.

Puget Sound Energy is pushing for legislation that would help it secure a large ownership stake in new renewable projects in the state.

In the eyes of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, one big thing is missing from the state’s climate policies. Recent laws don’t allow the state agency to sell carbon credits, an act officials said would help slow climate change and generate millions of dollars for public schools, counties and fire departments.