Concerning the compliance obligation under the climate commitment act for certain municipal gas utilities.

 S-1228.1

SENATE BILL 5698

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senators Ramos and Nobles

Read first time 02/07/25. Referred to Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology.

AN ACT Relating to the compliance obligation under the climate commitment act for certain municipal gas utilities; amending RCW 70A.65.080 and 70A.65.130 ; and adding a new section to chapter 70A.65 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 70A.65 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A municipal gas utility subject to the provisions of chapter 35.92 RCW whose associated greenhouse gas emissions did not exceed 27,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent during any year prior to 2022 may elect to pursue the alternative emission reduction pathway authorized under this section in lieu of remaining a covered entity under this chapter. If a municipal gas utility elects to pursue the alternative emission reduction pathway under this section, the department must adopt an emergency rule to adjust the allowance budget of the program applicable to years 2026 and beyond.