Senate advances Climate Commitment Act changes to address emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries

The Senate considered Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6,246, which makes changes to how emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) facilities are treated under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The bill creates a framework for reporting by EITE industries, requires decarbonization plans and asks the Department of Ecology to recommend a schedule for reducing free allowances given to those facilities. Sponsors described the measure as a way to avoid leakage (shifting production out of state) while maintaining climate goals.

Debate was extensive: proponents said the bill provides a data-driven framework to transition from temporary measures to lasting decarbonization and protects jobs while meeting climate goals. Opponents warned that without current Ecology data (a recent report was referenced) the bill could accelerate job loss and urged waiting to include that report's findings. Amendments were proposed to tweak reporting, confidentiality, penalties and a leakage risk study; some amendments were rejected or modified and a striking amendment was adopted.

After floor debate and division votes on amendments, the presiding officer announced that the engrossed substitute had received a constitutional majority and the bill was declared passed.