It’s fitting that on Earth Day, a day to demonstrate support for environmental protection, we learn the full picture of how the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds will be spent in this year’s budget package.
The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is the nation’s strongest polluter-pay law to cut carbon pollution and invest in local communities. Washington’s Environmental Priorities Coalition used its collective voice to ensure accountability on how dollars generated by polluters through the Climate Commitment Act fund climate solutions. The CCA law and its subsequent investments represent historic dollars that will help our state achieve its ambitious climate goals, bring direct funding for the clean energy transition to communities across the state, and illustrate Washington’s continued commitment to climate leadership.
Based on our analysis, legislators funded critical and meaningful programs to reduce pollution, increase climate resilience, and support communities across Washington. Namely:
- $83 million for state lands and forests carbon sequestration for a new way of forest management and to protect older forests from harvest
- Big investments in clean transportation to reduce pollution from larger vehicles and increase charging infrastructure:
- $120 million for a medium and heavy duty vehicle and charging program
- $6.3 million for a zero-emission drayage pilot at the NW Seaport Alliance
- Over $37 million for charging along priority transportation corridors
- New and increased investment for affordable, cleaner homes and buildings:
- $80 million to fund a heat pump program that prioritizes low- and moderate-income households
- $40 million to fund home weatherization improvements to conserve energy and protect health.
- Large-scale investments in pollution reduction and climate action in overburdened communities and tribal nations:
- $23.8 million for air quality projects, grant programs and rulemaking
- $50 million for tribal adaptation grants
- $38.6 million for community-directed grants to overburdened communities
- $26.3 million for implementation of HEAL Act
The Environmental Priorities Coalition will continue fiercely advocating for environmental justice and funding that reduces climate pollution for Washingtonians and invests in communities all across our state.
