OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington is set to enhance its climate accountability with a new law signed by Governor Bob Ferguson on Friday, May 2.
Sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick), the legislation transitions the state to annual greenhouse-gas emissions reporting.
Boehnke emphasized the importance of accurate data in shaping environmental policies.
“This law is about accountability, transparency and making sure we’re using real data, not guesswork,” Sen. Boehnke said in a release. “Good data equals better decisions. We can’t fix what we don’t measure.”
Currently, Washington reports its greenhouse gas emissions every two years.
Boehnke’s bill requires the Department of Ecology and the Department of Commerce to publish an annual emissions inventory starting in 2031. Interim updates will be provided in 2027 and 2029 to track progress toward the state’s 2030 climate targets.
Boehnke praised the bipartisan effort behind the legislation.
“Climate policy should be based on facts and outcomes, not politics or assumptions,” Sen. Boehnke said. “Regardless of ideology, we all benefit from better data.”
The new law, effective July 27, ensures consistent public reporting on the effectiveness of Washington’s climate programs, such as the Climate Commitment Act.
It also mandates natural-gas utilities to report annual emissions data as part of the state’s cap-and-tax program.
