Dear John,

Over the past three years, Washington has emerged as a climate leader by passing the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), Washington’s new cap-and-invest law that creates the country’s most ambitious greenhouse gas pricing program. But it’s easy to forget that passing a law is only the first step. It’s just as important to follow up and to make sure that strong processes and rules are established to enforce those laws. Details matter. 

The Department of Ecology has been working out the details and writing the rules for this new law. Last month marked a major milestone in the process: adoption of the final CCA Program rule that will help accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. 

Public comments make a real difference in shaping complex, far-reaching rules like this one. During this rulemaking, more than 1,200 people across the state sent a clear message to decision makers: The CCA must advance environmental justice, honor tribal sovereignty, and ensure public accountability. Thank you for making your voice heard! 

Now we are entering a new stage of the process. The CCA requires regular environmental justice reviews to ensure that smog, soot, and other dangerous air pollutants decrease in places that suffer from highly polluted air. As a first step, Ecology is deciding how to identify these overburdened communities.  

Public comment is open through November 4th. 

Can you join an upcoming public meeting to learn more and speak up for clean air? 

Thank you for staying committed for the long haul as our state works to make its ambitious climate laws a reality.