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Climate Action and Green Jobs

Passed by Legislature, signed into law by Gov. Gregoire on Mar. 13, 2008.

One of the 2008 Priorities for a Healthy Washington, the Climate Action and Green Jobs bill creates a structure and timeline for implementing the state’s global warming pollution reduction goals and establishes a program to prepare Washington workers for good jobs in the clean energy economy.

Action now helps make a difference
We can’t wait any longer for the federal government to solve the problem. Our state can and should be a leader for change. By taking steps in 2008, Washington will influence regional solutions and create momentum for the national action needed to solve this global problem.

Green jobs
The bill ensures that Washington workers are trained to take advantage of these new opportunities and job growth in renewable and clean energy.

Fueling economic opportunity
Responsible climate policy will generate accelerated investment in clean energy technologies, businesses, and deployment programs.  As we switch to an economy less dependent on fossil fuels, states taking action now to reduce climate pollution are seeing the greatest growth in their clean energy economies. 

Transportation tools
Sets us on a path to reduce pollution from transportation with more efficient travel, cleaner fuels, and cleaner cars

Read an Ecology fact sheet on who is likely to be covered by the emissions reporting thresholds in Climate Action and Green Jobs.

(download a PDF fact sheet)

Read the legislation that is now state law 

Local Solutions to Global Warming

SB6580 was passed by the 2008 Legislature, signed into law on April 1st.

One of the 2008 Priorities for a Healthy Washington, the Local Solutions to Global Warming bill adds a goal of reducing climate impact to the Growth Management Act (GMA) and identifies reducing global warming pollution as an important aspect of comprehensive planning.

Helps address root causes of transportation pollution
Poorly-planned, irresponsible development is driving global warming pollution – half of the global warming pollution in the entire state comes from transportation.

Protects farm and forest land
Poorly-planned development is the leading cause of farm and forest conversion – another major contributor to global warming.

Increases buildings and energy efficiency
About 25 to 30 percent of total U.S. energy consumption is used for building operations- such as heating and cooling. Integrating green building design into more compact communities can reduce building energy consumption by up to 50% at little additional cost.

Real solutions
This bill will encourage more compact and transit oriented development in urban growth areas, focus growth in areas with transit options, and establish transfer of development right programs to protect forests and farmland. In addition, it will provide more urban forest investments and encourage use of new technologies that reduce global warming pollution and increase efficiency.
(download a PDF fact sheet)

Read bill as passed by the Legislature 

Business Tax Incentives for Energy-Efficient Equipment

HB 3362 was passed by the 2008 Legislature
This bill establishes a state tax credit for qualified small businesses on specific energy-efficient appliances, such as freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and others, which carry the Energy Star or Consortium for Energy Efficiency ratings. This bill makes it easier for small businesses to make smart decisions about the efficiency of the appliances they purchase.