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Senate Deliberates on Carbon Tax Initiative 732
On February 9th, Senators from the Energy, Environment & Telecommunications Committee convened to discuss the revenue-neutral carbon tax: Initiative 732. In attendance were 79 residents who came to provide input: 51 in support, 20 in opposition, and 8 undeclared. I-732 is on track to appear on the November 2016 ballot. It would impose a revenue neutral carbon tax on the state. The tax would begin at $15 per ton in the first year, increasing to $25 per ton in the second year, and then ratcheting up each year thereafter by 3.5% plus inflation (up to a maximum of $100 in 2016 dollars). To offset this new tax, the initiative bundles in some tax cuts — a one percent reduction in the sales tax, a $1,500 tax rebate for low-income working families, and a reduced B&O tax on manufacturing.
Understanding Carbon Reduction: Marginal Abatement Cost Curves
A Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MAC curve or MACC) is a succinct and straightforward tool for presenting carbon emissions abatement options relative to a baseline (typically a business-as-usual pathway). A MAC curve permits an easy to read visualization of various mitigation options or measures organized by a single, understandable metric: economic cost of emissions abatement.
Cruise Electric on Washington’s Scenic 440 mile Cascade Loop
The beauty of the Cascades is a magnet for nature lovers, but until recently a lack of charging infrastructure has left the scenic loop out of reach for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
Carbon Reduction Investments are Smart Strategy for Electric Sector
A bill under consideration in the legislature would credit utilities under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (I-937) for making investments in projects which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Expanding the diversity of qualified projects presents a market opportunity for new technologies to reduce carbon while maintaining competitive energy costs for ratepayers.
Are Washington Lawmakers Jumping the Gun on Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy has been the subject of vigorous debate for decades, punctuated by the emergence of new technologies and unfortunate accidents. This session, Washington legislators took a serious look at further incorporating nuclear into the state’s energy profile.
Data Dive: Washington State Carbon Emissions
Dive into & manipulate this data set illustrating Washington State’s carbon emissions by subsector. See actual changes from 1990-present, and projected emissions through 2050. What sectors & subsectors produce the most carbon pollution? Which carbon sources are going away and which ones are here to stay?
An Opportunity to Strengthen I-937
I-937 has been a landmark success, boosting solar and wind electricity. I’m proud to have been an I-937 supporter. It’s important we make any changes carefully; such as
1. Broadening I-937’s scope to include other responsible ways of reducing carbon.
2. Encouraging market selection via a technology agnostic approach called Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
3. Achieve greater carbon reduction and state economic stimulus than I-937.
4. Solve known problems like how the 1% rule works for no load growth utilities.
WaBA Advances Bipartisan Carbon Reduction Bill
The support of 5735 demonstrates that, whether the motivation is related to climate change, energy security, air quality, growing the economy, or energy efficiency, carbon reduction is a theme that both political parties can embrace. We encourage those concerned about reducing carbon emissions to take a closer look at SB 5735 and to focus their energy on improving it, rather than tearing it down.
Statement on Senate Bill 5735
We encourage those concerned about reducing carbon emissions to take a closer look at SB 5735 and to focus their energy on improving it, rather than tearing it down. Whether the motivation is related to climate change, energy security, air quality, growing the economy, or energy efficiency, carbon reduction is a theme both political parties can embrace
Bills to Advance Electric Vehicles Make Good Economic and Environmental Sense
A charged debate is underway in the Washington State legislature over whether or not to extend the sales tax exemptions for electric and alternative fuel vehicles. If no action is taken this session, the exemption will expire in July of this year. The cost to the state for EV sales tax breaks varies greatly depending on the make and model of the car, whether one buys or leases, and if the buyer has a trade-in. Because most EV drivers are leasing, the sales tax is based on the monthly payment and not the MSRP. The means the opportunity cost of tax exemptions is less than one might think. And yet the benefits to the economy and environment are significant.
Energy Storage Open Standards: A Northwest-Led Solution with Global Potential
The future of energy demands storage, and the Northwest is a pioneer. Private sector solutions are emerging, but the market is young, and there is a risk that innovations develop independent of each other, resulting in expensive projects and incompatible products.
Who are Washington States Largest Carbon Emitters?
With the announcement of Governor Inslee’s cap and trade greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction plan, Washington residents may be wondering who the state’s top emitters are. The graph below uses EPA FLIGHT data to reveal who is most likely to be directly impacted by the proposal. It includes all facilities (minus fuel providers) that registered more than 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in any year: 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013.
Fuel-Switch: How Washington state is kicking coal
Washington’s hydropower resources provide the state with the lowest combined electricity price across all sectors and one of the least carbon intense electricity mixes in the nation. Maintaining this competitive edge is key to preventing leakage
Creating the Win-Win: Low Carbon Prosperity
Washington’s unique clean and competitive energy assets position the state to succeed in a well-designed regulatory climate encouraging the use of less carbon intense energy sources. Businesses in Washington State have a leadership opportunity to drive a policy outcome.
By the Numbers: Reducing Carbon Emissions in Washington State
Where do Washington’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from? What are we doing to reduce GHG? Washington legislated GHG reduction targets for 2020, 2035, and 2050. The latest Ecology numbers are available from Ecology’s GHG emisisons inventory and for 2011 via the Climate Emissions Reduction Taskforce (CERT) website and materials. Perhaps more interesting, when considering Washington’s targets, are the projected emissions for 2035, compiled by the Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup’s technical consultant, Leidos.
Running on Empty: Washington States transportation funding dilemma
1.) The fuel efficiency of vehicles is rising fast
2.) Fuel taxes are the single largest component of state transportation funding
3.) Stagnant gas tax revenues can’t keep pace with growing road use
4.) Failing grades. Enormous funding needs.
What is a dollar of energy efficiency worth?
Several months ago we wrote here about the Community Energy Challenge, a Northwest Washington program designed to save energy and create jobs by making it really easy for homeowners and small businesses to implement energy efficiency improvements in their buildings. There is no doubt that the program is effective saving energy; participants in the CEC are saving a combined total of more than $645,000 every year, an average of a 23% reduction in energy costs for each participating homeowner. This is the equivalent, in carbon terms, of taking more than 1,300 cars off of the road.
Australia’s Lessons On a Carbon Tax: Get It Right
Learn by doing. That appears to be one conclusion from Australia’s recent repeal of their carbon tax. The carbon price began on July 1, 2012 at AU$23/tonne. It was levied on Australia’s top emitters and rose to AU$25/tonne, yet on July 17, 2014 it was repealed just two years after taking effect. The Aussies deserve a pat on the back. They tried on a carbon pricing policy which didn’t fit well. The lessons learned can benefit U.S. states including Washington as we work to develop the right framework for a thriving low-carbon economy.
Many Challenges Ahead For Electric Vehicles
Washington’s Electric Vehicle (EV) statistics look great on a national level. The percentage of new vehicle registrations that are EVs is higher in Washington than in any other state and the number of public charging stations and outlets makes Washington fourth in the country. Yet Washington’s high rankings in some ways speak more to the general absence of EV infrastructure nationwide. EVs make up only 1.6% of new registrations in Washington, and the infrastructure consists of a mere 1,700 stations and outlets primarily concentrated in the Seattle area. Addressing this lack of infrastructure as well as the limitations of EVs is critical for making them a practical option for the average Washingtonian.
Energy Conservation Adds Wealth in WA
(Originally Posted on Plan Washington Website) Community energy efficiency programs keep Washingtonians working, and conserving energy, while bringing robust economic benefits and improving building stock. This is no accident. Energy planners in the...