S-1163.1
SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5236
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senate Environment, Energy & Technology (originally sponsored by Senators Slatter, Harris, Nobles, and Shewmake)
READ FIRST TIME 02/10/25.
AN ACT Relating to emissions of greenhouse gases used for anesthetic purposes; adding a new section to chapter 43.21A RCW; and creating new sections.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that a great deal of emphasis in greenhouse gas emissions policymaking in the state has appropriately focused on reducing sources of carbon dioxide, methane, and refrigerant gases, which remain the most significant types of greenhouse gases emitted in the state. However, the legislature also finds it prudent not to overlook meaningful opportunities to reduce emissions of other types of greenhouse gases from more niche sources such as anesthetic gases.
(2) The legislature finds that gases used as an anesthetic in medical, dental, and veterinary contexts, including desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, halothane, and nitrous oxide, are potent greenhouse gases. Efforts in the medical community are already underway to minimize the emissions from these gases, including by national and international anesthesiologist associations. In other jurisdictions, including Scotland and England, efforts are also underway to phase out the use of the anesthetic gases with the greatest potential greenhouse gas emissions.