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Spokane waste‑to‑energy director warns Climate Commitment Act could cost city millions; staff seek legislative delay and evaluate carbon capture
Summary
City public‑works staff reviewed operations and a life‑cycle assessment for Spokane's waste‑to‑energy facility, outlined potential annual carbon‑allowance costs under Washington's Climate Commitment Act (up to ~$8 million), and described a legislative strategy to delay compliance while pursuing mitigation such as carbon capture.
Chris Sabert, director of strategic initiatives for Public Works, told the Spokane Climate Resilience & Sustainability Board on Jan. 8 that the city's waste‑to‑energy facility processes roughly 250,000 tons of municipal solid waste annually, reduces waste mass by about 75% and volume by about 90%, supports regional customers and supplies electricity under a power‑purchase agreement that serves roughly 13,000 homes.
Sabert said the facility provides regional benefits, recovers ferrous metals (about 9,000 tons/year) and supports apprenticeship and local contracting. He traced the plant's history—construction began in 1989 with state support and operation started in 1991; the city…
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