Tag Archives: emissions

Boehnke’s greenhouse gas-reporting bill unanimously clears House

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.

Boehnke bill aimed at timely greenhouse-gas emissions data clears House committee

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

OLYMPIA… Legislation sponsored by Sen. Matt Boehnke to improve the tracking of greenhouse-gas emissions is one step closer to final approval in the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 5036 would shift Washington’s biennial reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to annual reporting, ensuring policymakers have timely and accurate data to make informed decisions. The measure received unanimous approval from the House Environment and Energy Committee and now awaits placement on the voting calendar.

“Reliable, timely data is essential for effective policymaking,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick. “Transitioning to annual emissions reporting enables us to track progress more accurately, respond swiftly to emerging climate trends, and ensure that our policies are producing tangible results. This bill strengthens transparency, accountability, and our ability to take meaningful action in reducing emissions.”

By increasing the frequency of emissions reporting, SB 5036 would improve the state’s ability to respond to environmental changes, refine climate policies, and better align with Washington’s climate initiatives, including the Climate Commitment Act, Clean Fuel Standard, and zero-emission vehicle policies.

“It’s unacceptable that we must rely on outdated emissions data to develop policy. Waiting two years for updated numbers slows our ability to adapt and improve. Annual reporting will provide us with the real-time insights needed to make evidence-based decisions that support both our environment and economy,” he explained.

Rather than adding bureaucracy, SB 5036 focuses on enhancing accountability and efficiency in emissions tracking. Boehnke emphasized that more frequent reporting will keep state agencies transparent, ensure lawmakers have current accurate information, and keep the public informed on Washington’s climate progress.

“If we’re serious about meeting our climate goals, we need precise and up-to-date data to guide us,” He said.

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

Boehnke bill to update vehicle-emissions rule attracts strong public support

OLYMPIA… As Sen. Matt Boehnke suspected, there is strong public support for legislation he has proposed to realign Washington’s vehicle-emissions rules with federal standards instead of California’s.

Today the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee held a public hearing on the Kennewick Republican’s measure, which also aims to bring more accountability to state emissions standards. Of those registering their views online, 1,865 people indicated support for the bill, while 665 opposed it.

“This is a significant step toward realigning our state’s emissions standards,” said Boehnke, the committee’s ranking Republican member. “Since 2005, Washington has followed California’s vehicle emissions standards, but California is a massive state with a larger population and different challenges.

“Washington needs to chart its own course rather than simply following California. I figured a majority of people in our state would share that view, if my bill was allowed a public hearing, and the numbers we saw in committee confirm that.”

Under SB 5091, the Department of Ecology would be required to submit annual reports on the state’s progress toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Boehnke noted that would be a major improvement from the current biennial reporting system, which offers no data newer than 2019.

The bipartisan bill would not alter Washington’s greenhouse-gas reduction targets but seeks to improve transparency and accountability in meeting those goals.

Under the federal Clean Air Act, states may follow federal emissions standards or California’s more-stringent rules. Washington is among several states that have chosen the latter. In light of its smaller population and lower number of vehicles, Boehnke argues, Washington should not want to remain tethered to the California policy.

“This bill ensures consistency with the Clean Air Act while preventing Washington from adopting outdated California emissions standards,” he said. “Our emissions profile is vastly different, and we should have regulations tailored to our state’s unique needs.”

While SB 5091 did not receive committee approval before today’s 5 p.m. deadline for action on policy legislation, Boehnke is aware that bills remain in play until the Legislature adjourns for the year.

“I don’t know why the majority was reluctant to move this bill forward. Was it out of concern for Ecology, or a desire to mimic California, or something else? But I’m not letting go, because I believe most of the people are with me on wanting this change.”