Climate Legislation in the Works in Washington State

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced exciting climate legislation to limit carbon pollution. This is a big deal. If approved, Washington’s Carbon Polluting Accountability Act would join California and British Columbia in pricing carbon.

Governor Inslee announcing climate legislation on December 17, 2014

Governor Inslee has built towards this moment for years – taking time to listen to people across the state on how best for Washington to respond to the threat of climate change. And now the time is here. This climate legislation will allow Washington to enforce the limits on climate pollution already on the books— in 2008 the Legislature passed a law that would require more than a 25 percent reduction in emissions by 2035, and even steeper cuts by 2050. This was great, but it was nonbinding. Governor Inslee’s climate legislation will create a solid roadmap for achieving carbon reduction goals supported by the 2008 Legislature.

Before the Governor had even announced his plan, the oil industry and their allies were fighting to maintain the status quo – pushing the false story that we need more information before we take action on climate change.

January 12th will mark the start of the Washington legislative session. The climate legislation announced last week will need a lot of public support and pressure to stay on track. Big Oil and Big Coal will try their best to eliminate Governor Inslee’s plan and we will be calling on you to support his efforts.

Read Governor Inslee’s Carbon Polluting Accountability Act here.