Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate
OLYMPIA… As Republican leader on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee, Sen. Matt Boehnke has worked hard to improve the state’s energy policy. His bill to improve the state’s climate-data reporting is headed for the late-session step known as “concurrence” after receiving a second unanimous vote, this time from the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 5036 would transition the state from biennial to annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting, giving lawmakers and the public timelier access to critical environmental data. By requiring the state Department of Ecology and Department of Commerce to report emissions yearly, the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of Washington’s climate-action planning.
“This bill is about getting policymakers the information they need when needed,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “Annual greenhouse gas reporting means we’re not waiting two years to understand where we stand—it gives us the ability to respond faster, adjust strategies, and make decisions based on the most current data available.”
“We have a responsibility to make sure that our policies are not just ambitious, but achievable,” Boehnke explained. “This bill helps us track real-time progress, measure results, and hold ourselves accountable to the climate goals we’ve committed to. It’s a smart, practical step forward.”
By moving to more frequent emissions tracking, the bill will support stronger climate accountability by ensuring that state agencies remain transparent and current in reporting progress toward climate goals.
“When people see the numbers yearly, they can better understand how we’re doing and where we need to improve,” Boehnke added. “That kind of visibility builds trust, keeps the public engaged, and reinforces that Washington is serious about taking meaningful climate action.”
The bill passed the House on a 96-0 vote on April 10 after receiving unanimous support in the Senate.
The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.
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