New report details $1.5 billion in Climate Commitment Act investments
(OLYMPIA)– A new report from the Washington Department of Ecology details how $1.5 billion of Climate Commitment Act (CCA) revenue was invested in local communities during the 2023-25 biennium - the most comprehensive accounting of CCA spending to date. The report can be found on Ecology's website. The investments can also be viewed on the CCA Dashboard.
“The Climate Commitment Act is moving us toward a low-carbon economy and helping our most vulnerable communities adapt to the realities of climate change,” said Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller. “Having detailed, transparent information about CCA spending ensures that lawmakers can continue to guide those investments wisely.”
The CCA is designed to reduce climate pollution from the state’s biggest sources 95% by 2050. The primary way it does this is by putting a price on greenhouse gas emissions. The law requires companies to compete to buy allowances for every metric ton of greenhouse gases they release, gradually reducing the number of allowances available each year through 2050. Lawmakers may use the revenue generated by allowance sales to further reduce emissions, according to a news release from Ecology.
Over $330 million of CCA investments made during the 2023-25 biennium are expected to directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a total of nearly 9 million metric tons at a cost of $40 per metric ton. That’s the equivalent of taking 40% of all gas and diesel vehicles in Washington off the road for a whole year. Many CCA investments made during the 2023-25 biennium will unlock even more emissions reductions in the future by laying the foundation for a clean economy, such as infrastructure for storing and transmitting renewable energy and a skilled workforce to support it.
Most projects that reduce emissions also increased equity and provided other benefits. For example, the Washington Department of Agriculture used $3 million to purchase food from farmers that would have otherwise gone to waste and distribute it through hunger relief organizations. The project reduced over 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases, fed those in need, and generated revenue for farmers.
By law, at least 35% of all CCA investments must directly benefit vulnerable groups in communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution – and the state far exceeded this requirement. Nearly 60% of spending (about $850 million) met this mark. Tribes and projects that protect Tribal treaty rights and resources, such as salmon habitat restoration, also received significant investment.
Beyond emissions reductions, the CCA provides a dedicated stream of revenue to help communities prepare for and cope with escalating climate impacts. During the 2023-25 biennium, the Legislature invested CCA revenue for priorities like preventing wildfires and floods and protecting people from extreme heat.
“Addressing climate change isn’t just about reducing emissions. We have to deal with the here and now,” said Sixkiller. “It’s more important than ever for the state to step up to help those most at risk as the federal government continues cutting back.”
By the numbers:
- Over $1.5 billion of CCA revenue was invested in Washington communities
- Over $330 million – will directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a total of nearly 9 million metric tons over the life of those projects. Many more projects lay a foundation for future reductions.
- About $850 million – nearly 60% of total investments – went to Washington's most vulnerable communities
To see more examples of CCA-funded projects and download photos, visit Ecology’s Flickr account.