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WashingtonHB 24162025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning fair treatment of waste to energy facilities under the climate commitment act.

Sponsored By: Natasha Hill (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

New allowance reserve and utility fairness rules

The law adds more ways to move allowances into the emissions reserve, including when facilities curtail or close. The reserve still gets allowances when auction prices hit the trigger and when auctions leave allowances unsold. The reserve may auction allowances when new covered or opt-in entities join, and can provide allowances equal to first-period emissions of a new or expanded energy‑intensive, trade‑exposed facility over 25,000 tons; those allowances must be retired. The department cannot also give electric‑utility allowances for power from a waste‑to‑energy plant that has its own compliance duty.

Emissions and waste plans due by 2030

By December 1, 2030, owners of waste‑to‑energy plants built before 1992 must file two plans. One plan shows how the plant will cut greenhouse gases to match the state’s 2040 and 2050 limits. The other plan shows how the plant will cut waste and improve material recovery, in line with state and local policies. You must consider impacts on overburdened communities and consult local advisory groups. The department reviews within 180 days. You must fix comments, finalize within 120 days, and start carrying out the plans.

Tougher compliance and closure rules for waste-to-energy

For 2027–2030, if your waste-to-energy plant emits more than its free allowances, you must buy extra permits to cover the rest. You can bank unused allowances for later. The department limits offsets so free allowances plus offsets cannot cover more than 100% of your duty. If a plant fully stops and is closed, the state withholds or takes back its free allowances. If a plant curtails all production, it keeps allowances but cannot trade or sell them and gets no new free allowances while curtailed. If a curtailed plant later closes, any unused allowances move to the emissions reserve.

Free allowances and auction rules for older plants

Beginning January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2030, waste-to-energy plants built before 1992 receive free carbon allowances. The amount equals the plant’s average 2021–2025 emissions times: 100% in 2027–2028, 93% in 2029, and 86% in 2030. Forty percent of those free allowances must go to auction. The auction money can be used only for projects that cut the plant’s greenhouse gases, after a written proposal is reviewed within 90 days, comments are addressed, and final approval is given. The other free allowances are for the benefit of solid waste ratepayers.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Engell

    Republican • House

  • Clyde Shavers

    Democratic • House

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

  • Jenny Graham

    Republican • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

  • Suzanne Schmidt

    Republican • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 60

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 76 • No: 20 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 39 • No: 10

House vote • 2/17/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 67 • No: 30 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/25/2026House

  2. Chapter 216, 2026 Laws.

    3/25/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/25/2026legislature

  4. Speaker signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 76; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/11/2026House

  8. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 39; nays, 10; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/4/2026House

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026House

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    3/4/2026House

  12. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026House

  13. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/2/2026House

  14. Minority; do not pass.

    3/2/2026House

  15. WM - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/2/2026House

  16. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  17. Referred to Ways & Means.

    2/25/2026House

  18. And refer to Ways & Means.

    2/24/2026House

  19. ENET - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/24/2026House

  20. First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.

    2/19/2026House

  21. Third reading, passed; yeas, 67; nays, 30; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/17/2026House

  22. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/17/2026House

  23. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/17/2026House

  24. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/17/2026House

  25. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    2/17/2026House

Bill Text

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