OLYMPIA—This afternoon, the Washington State House of Representatives passed a measure to amend state greenhouse gas (GHG) emission limits for consistency with the most recent assessment of climate change science.
“It is vital that our target for reduction of carbon pollution be scientifically accurate and reflect what we know. The consequences of falling short will be extremely harmful and can significantly impact future generations,” said Rep. Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue, prime sponsor of House Bill 2311.
The state’s emissions reductions targets haven’t been updated since 2008. Slatter’s bill updates GHG emission targets by:
- Setting a 2050 net-zero emissions goal.
- Requiring state agencies to set long- and short-term goals for meeting emission reduction benchmarks.
- Establishing carbon capture and sequestration as a policy of the state.
- Increasing reporting about GHG emissions from wildfires and other key sectors.
When asked why the state should update greenhouse gas emission targets from 2008 legislation even though we are consistently falling short, Rep. Slatter replied with an analogy from her perspective as a health care professional: “When patients make personal life-saving decisions, such as decreasing high cholesterol levels, we give them the most scientifically informed target possible because, even if they cannot initially reach those targets, knowing what they are helps them understand the next steps for the best path to success. That’s what this legislation is seeking to do.”
Slatter’s bill addresses the adverse effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, droughts, more frequent wildfires, insect infestations and ocean acidification, among others. Acknowledging that not taking definitive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now will increase these threats for future generations is a bold step that will keep Washington at the lead in implementing good environmental policy for a cleaner future.
HB 2311 passed the House on a 55-41 vote and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.