West
Washington
Washington has been a leader in climate and environmental justice policy, especially with the passage of the ambitious Climate Commitment Act and the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act in 2021. The state’s emissions decreased by 10% from 1990-2022, compared to their target of 45% below 1990 levels by 2030. Almost three quarters of in-state electricity is generated by renewables, and the state is the top hydroelectric power producer, providing over one-fourth of the country’s hydroelectric power.
GHG Reduction Targets
All targets relative to 1990
levels
2030
45%
2040
70%
2050
95%
2050
Net-zero economy
Governor
Bob Ferguson (Democrat)
Governor
Bob Ferguson (Democrat)
House Party
Democratic Majority
House Party
Democratic Majority
Senate Party
Democratic Majority
Senate Party
Democratic Majority
Legislative session
1/13/25 - 4/27/25
US Climate Alliance Status
Member
Key Offices & Links
42
25
West
11 states
This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.
Progress by Policy Area
- Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
- In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
- Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
- Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.
The colored bars indicate the status for each policy on the Dashboard, viewed across seven policy areas.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Washington
Created in partnership with
Climate Policies in Washington
Filters
| Status | Policy | Policy Area | Policy Category | Year Enacted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enacted |
Cross-Sector
|
Climate Finance | 2024 | ||
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
State divestment means ending new investment in the fossil fuel industry and phasing out existing fossil fuel investments in public funds, such as state pensions, over time. States can also set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for their investment portfolios. |
Cross-Sector
|
Climate Finance | ||
| Enacted |
Empty column
Washington's Cap-and-Invest Program covers the electricity, buildings, transportation, and industrial sectors, covering around 75% of state emissions. Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | 2023 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
Electrical and gas companies must incorporate the social cost of carbon in utility resource planning. Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | 2019 |