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City administrator says Climate Commitment Act is already affecting municipal gas utility; council asked to consider policy options
Summary
City Administrator Chris Searcy told council the municipal gas utility is marginally above the CCA’s 25,000 metric‑ton threshold and that the city has paid roughly $250,000–$400,000 annually so far; he outlined allowance mechanics, bill‑charge differences between legacy and new customers, and suggested exploring alternative compliance or legislative options with Ellensburg.
City Administrator Chris Searcy led a detailed Climate Commitment Act workshop at the March 9 Uniontown City Council meeting, telling council members the city’s municipal natural gas utility is currently subject to Washington’s cap‑and‑invest program and that the city should consider policy options and additional staff or consultant support to respond.
Searcy explained the program’s basic mechanics — covered entities must obtain annual carbon allowances equal to their greenhouse gas emissions, allowances are available through state auctions and Ecology provides a declining allocation of no‑cost allowances. "We are just marginally over the threshold of being pulled into the program," he said, citing the 25,000 metric‑ton cutoff…
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