The bill aims to support Washington agriculture by promoting practices that capture methane and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It emphasizes the importance of anaerobic digesters and alternative manure management practices, which can help produce renewable energy, improve soil health, and enhance water and air quality. The legislation intends to appropriate funds through the state conservation commission's sustainable farms and fields program to support these initiatives, while also facilitating research for innovative approaches to further reduce emissions and create marketable by-products.

Key amendments to existing law include the introduction of definitions for "alternative manure and agricultural waste management," "climate-smart agricultural waste management," and "climate-smart livestock management," among others. The bill also outlines the establishment of a grant program to fund various projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with specific provisions for cost-share grants, technical assistance, and the creation of an advisory committee to guide these efforts. Additionally, it sets limits on the percentage of funds that can be allocated for administrative costs and emphasizes the need for a geographically fair distribution of funds across different agricultural practices and farm sizes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 89.08.610, 89.08.615