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ARTICLE · 28 OCTOBER 2024

Rulemaking Alert: Plan To Reduce Emissions In Overburdened Communities Under Washington's Climate Commitment Act

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.
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The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) recently announced its intent to promulgate regulations to reduce "criteria" air pollutants in "overburdened communities" that the agency has determined...

United StatesEnvironment
David C. Weber
David C. Weber
Augustus E. Winkes
Augustus E. Winkes
E.Peter Selimos
E.Peter Selimos
Emily E. Schwartz
Emily E. Schwartz

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) recently announced its intent to promulgate regulations to reduce "criteria" air pollutants in "overburdened communities" that the agency has determined are highly impacted by air pollution.1 The State's 2021 Climate Commitment Act (CCA) obligates Ecology to identify emission reduction strategies in these communities. This rulemaking will determine the processes and strategies that Ecology will use to achieve air quality targets, which may include emissions reduction and mitigation measures.

Rulemaking Required by Environmental Justice Provision in the Climate Commitment Act

The CCA aims to reduce state greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using a cap-and-trade system. In addition to the law's GHG objective, the CCA also aims to reduce "criteria" air pollutants in overburdened communities.2 Sixteen overburdened communities identified by Ecology are listed in the rulemaking announcement.3

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