WAWG
Today, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) released its draft Clean Air Rule to limit carbon pollution. Organizations that emit 100,000 metric tons or more of greenhouse gases in the state would be required to reduce their carbon emissions 5 percent every three years beginning in 2017. Besides gradually reducing their carbon pollution, organizations could meet their reduction goals by obtaining credits from other participants and carbon markets or by funding projects that permanently reduce carbon pollution.
Ecology will be accepting comments on the proposed draft rule through April 8, 2016. Additionally, several public hearings and webinars will be held throughout March. To read more about the draft rule, visit Ecology’s website.
At a media briefing held earlier today, the department said they will be delaying the implementation of the rule for fuel-importing businesses and businesses that sell goods in the global marketplace by three years as it works to make sure the rule doesn’t put those Washington businesses at an economic disadvantage. Ecology also explained that the 100,000 metric ton threshold will be gradually lowered, reaching 70,000 metric tons by 2035. As the threshold is lowered, more businesses and organizations will fall under the rule and will have to comply with the reduction goals.
As for agriculture, the department said the proposed rule doesn’t cover agriculture in the state for several reasons: it believes agriculture’s emissions fall far below the 100,000 metric ton threshold and the current methodology used to estimate ag’s carbon emissions is uncertain.
WAWG believes the best way to reduce carbon emissions in the state is through voluntary measures, not by setting mandatory limits. WAWG is concerned that any additional costs from businesses forced to comply with a mandatory carbon emission cap will be passed onto the consumer through increased prices in food, fuel and services.