Washington Policy Center Files Lawsuit Over Incomplete Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting
Legal Action Against State Departments
In a significant move, the Washington Policy Center (WPC) announced on Wednesday its decision to sue the state Departments of Ecology and Commerce for allegedly neglecting their responsibilities under a state law that mandates prompt reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. This action was initiated in Thurston County Superior Court with the intent to compel both agencies to adhere to RCW 70A.45.020, which stipulates that emissions data must be reported for the previous two years by the conclusion of every even-numbered year.
Background on Emission Reporting Requirements
This legislation, established in 2008, aimed at ensuring transparency regarding greenhouse gas emissions has been found lacking in execution. To date, staff from the Department of Ecology have only provided emission numbers up through 2021 instead of the legally required updates including data through 2023.
Increase in Emissions During Governor Inslee’s Tenure
Recent findings disclosed earlier this month indicate a notable rise in emissions during Governor Jay Inslee’s initial nine years in office according to information pertaining to emission levels from both 2020 and 2021. WPC Vice President for Research Todd Myers criticized Washington’s climate strategy stating: “Despite positioning itself as a frontrunner in climate policy, our lawmakers lack recent data crucial for assessing policy effectiveness.” He highlighted an inconsistency within the state’s climate resilience strategy which asserts: “Climate change is an immediate concern,” yet cautioned that if current trends persist, accurate data regarding emissions from 2024 won’t be available until nearly five years later—2030.
Impact of COVID-19 on Emissions Data
Adding context to statewide emission figures, Joel Creswell—a program manager at the Department of Ecology—shared with KUOW earlier this month that Washington successfully met its legal limitations for greenhouse gas emissions set out for 2020. He noted how pandemic-related lockdowns significantly altered behavioral patterns across society: “The year 2020 was characterized by drastic reductions in commuting and travel as everyone attempted to navigate lockdown measures.”
Current Statistics Reveal Challenges Ahead
Moreover, WPC’s recent briefings indicate that current carbon dioxide levels exceed what is permissible under objectives aimed at achieving reductions by 2030. The state faces daunting challenges ahead; it needs eliminate statewide emissions equivalently more than three times as much as what was achieved during pandemic restrictions.
Advocacy from Citizen Action Defense Fund
WPC is being represented legally by the Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF), an Olympia-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting constitutional rights and personal freedoms within Washington State. The Executive Director Jackson Maynard emphasized accountability among state agencies: “Just like any citizen or organization must comply with regulations; so should our government bodies,” he remarked while supporting Myers’ pursuit toward adherence by these departments. He further elaborated that financial constraints shouldn’t impede agency performance since they operate with a combined operational budget nearing $6 billion across biennial periods—implying ample resources alongside expectations mandated by law.
The Center Square has sought comments from officials at the Department of Ecology concerning this lawsuit but has not received timely response thus far.
