Tag Archives: Climate Commitment Act

Front row, L to R: Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and Virginia Hall, SLA, Office of Sen. Boehnke. Back row, L to R: Dawn Boehnke, Derrek Wilson, Dept. of Ecology, Anthony “Tony” Abbot, Dept. of Ecology, Cameron Long, SRC Policy, WA State Senate, Ken Camp, Dept. of Ecology, Micheal Leone, Session Intern, Office of Sen. Boehnke, and Christina McNair, Session Aide, Office of Sen. Boehnke/Credit: Washington State Senate

Governor signs Boehnke’s bipartisan bill to strengthen Washington’s climate transparency

Front row, L to R: Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and Virginia Hall, SLA, Office of Sen. Boehnke. Back row, L to R: Dawn Boehnke, Derrek Wilson, Dept. of Ecology, Anthony “Tony” Abbot, Dept. of Ecology, Cameron Long, SRC Policy, WA State Senate, Ken Camp, Dept. of Ecology, Micheal Leone, Session Intern, Office of Sen. Boehnke, and Christina McNair, Session Aide, Office of Sen. Boehnke/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… Friday, the governor signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke that strengthens Washington’s climate accountability by transitioning the state to annual reporting of greenhouse-gas emissions.

“This law is about accountability, transparency, and making sure we’re using real data, not guesswork, when making decisions about Washington’s energy and environmental policies,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “Good data equals better decisions.  We can’t fix what we don’t measure. By getting annual updates, the Legislature and the public will have better tools to evaluate whether we’re on track or need to change course.”

The state reports its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions every two years. The law created by Boehnke’s bill requires the Department of Ecology and the Department of Commerce to publish an annual inventory of statewide emissions, starting in 2031. It also directs the agencies to provide interim updates in 2027 and 2029 to improve visibility as the state moves toward its 2030 climate targets.

““Climate policy should be based on facts and outcomes, not politics or assumptions,” Boehnke added. “Regardless of ideology, we all benefit from better data and a clear-eyed look at whether our policies are delivering results.”

His SB 5036, which was passed by the Legislature unanimously , builds on Washington’s existing climate laws—like the Climate Commitment Act—by ensuring consistent public reporting on the effectiveness of those programs. The new law also ensures that natural-gas utilities continue to report annual emissions data as part of their participation in the state’s cap-and-tax program.

“This is a smart, responsible step forward that reflects the kind of bipartisan, data-driven work we need more of in Olympia,” Boehnke said.

The new law takes effect July 27.

 

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Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

Boehnke applauds B.C.’s decision to end consumer carbon tax

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

OLYMPIA… British Columbia’s government has announced the swift repeal of its consumer carbon tax, drawing praise from Sen. Matt Boehnke, lead Republican on the state Senate’s energy committee.

“British Columbia’s leadership has finally acknowledged what conservatives have been saying for years: carbon taxes harm working families and do little to significantly reduce emissions,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick.

“By fast-tracking the elimination of this unnecessary tax, B.C is putting money back into the pockets of hardworking citizens and pushing back against ineffective climate policies that disproportionately affect lower- and middle-income people.”

The province’s residents expected to see a 17-cent-per-liter drop in gas prices as early as this week.  It’s a stark contrast to the consequences of carbon-pricing schemes in Washington, where fuel costs have been among the highest in the United States for close to two years.

“Here in Washington, we are seeing the negative effects of our own carbon tax policies firsthand,” Boehnke said. “Washingtonians are paying far more at the pump than our neighbors to the east and south; now the neighbors to the north are enjoying immediate relief. It’s time for our state to take a hard look at how these policies are burdening our families and businesses.”

The provincial government’s decision to repeal the consumer carbon tax comes amidst increasing public frustration over affordability and the broader economic impact of carbon pricing. While the B.C. government has indicated it will continue to impose carbon pricing on industrial emitters, the repeal of the consumer tax signals a shift in public sentiment that can no longer be ignored.

“Washington state leaders should take note—when even progressive governments admit that carbon taxes are failing to deliver real benefits and instead hurting working people, it’s time for a serious policy rethink,” Boehnke said. “We need solutions that promote innovation and economic growth without punishing those who can least afford it.”

As British Columbia moves forward with this significant policy reversal, Boehnke calls on Washington legislators to consider similar relief measures for struggling families and small businesses.

The 105-day legislative session began Jan. 13 and is scheduled to conclude on April 27.

 

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