The bill aims to ensure fair treatment of waste-to-energy facilities under Washington's climate commitment act by establishing new regulations and provisions for these facilities. It mandates that starting January 1, 2027, waste-to-energy facilities constructed before 1992 that comply with federal laws and state air quality standards will receive no-cost allowances based on their baseline greenhouse gas emissions for the years 2027 to 2030. The bill specifies the percentage of allowances allocated for each year and requires that 40% of these allowances be consigned to auction, with proceeds directed towards greenhouse gas reduction projects. Additionally, the bill outlines compliance requirements, including the acquisition of additional compliance instruments if actual emissions exceed allocated allowances.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a requirement for waste-to-energy facilities to submit a two-part plan by December 1, 2030, detailing their strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving waste management. This plan must align with state emissions limits and consider local waste management policies. The department will review the plan and provide technical assistance, while the facility operators must engage with local communities and address social and environmental factors in their proposals. The bill also includes amendments to existing laws regarding allowance allocation for electric utilities, ensuring that no allowances are allocated for emissions from waste-to-energy facilities that have compliance obligations under the chapter.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70A.65.120
Substitute bill: 70A.65.080, 70A.355.090, 70A.65.400, 70A.65.160
Second substitute: 70A.65.080, 70A.355.090, 70A.65.400, 70A.65.160
Engrossed second substitute: 70A.65.120
Bill as passed Legislature: 70A.65.140, 70A.65.120
Session law: 70A.65.140, 70A.65.120