Committee advances substitute to set emissions standards for Spokane waste‑to‑energy plant

The House Environment and Energy Committee voted to report out a proposed substitute to House Bill 2,416, moving the measure forward with a 12–9 committee vote.

Staff briefing and bill framework: Megan McFadden, staff to the committee, summarized the substitute as removing no‑cost allowances for waste‑to‑energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act and instead exempting emissions from waste‑to‑energy facilities when the emissions are used by county and city solid‑waste management programs from CCA compliance obligations. The substitute requires facility owners or operators to meet greenhouse‑gas reduction standards measured against a 2014–2016 baseline: 20% by 2030–2039, 70% by 2040–2049, and 95% by 2050 and each year thereafter. McFadden noted owners must submit a report and plan to the Department of Ecology and the Department of Commerce, with a reporting deadline of December 1, 2030; Ecology would review and approve plans and is authorized to adopt rules, issue corrective action orders and penalties, with appeals to the Pollution Control Hearings Board.

Why it matters: Committee members emphasized the bill frames regulatory oversight for a single statewide waste‑to‑energy facility in Spokane and seeks a different regulatory scheme than the Climate Commitment Act’s standard allowance approach. Committee proponents said the substitute creates a path for accountability and emissions reductions tailored to the facility. Opponents warned the new scheme could create disincentives and add costs to local ratepayers.

Exchange highlights: Representative Grama pressed staff on whether the bill’s greenhouse‑gas accounting includes both biogenic and anthropogenic emissions; staff said the bill’s definition currently covers both. Representatives also clarified that most emission‑reduction measures must occur on‑site and that Ecology will develop methods for counting emissions associated with diverted municipal solid waste.

Vote and next steps: Vice Chair Hall moved the substitute be reported with a due‑pass recommendation; the roll call showed 12 ayes and 9 nays and staff announced the bill reported out of committee. The committee did not adopt amendments. With the committee vote, the substitute advances for further consideration in the legislative process.