 A wind farm near Ellensburg.
July 7 Newsletter
California lawmakers revise environmental law to support housing, other infrastructure
California state lawmakers recently revised the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by creating exemptions for crucial infrastructure projects such as housing, advanced manufacturing and high-speed rail, ABC News reports. CEQA requires developers to consider environmental issues, traffic, noise and more when proposing a new project. Critics say the law created obstacles and stifled development. Many clean energy projects face similar permitting challenges. Read more.
Provide feedback on Washington’s draft Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
The Washington Climate Partnership, a collaborative effort led by the Washington State Departments of Commerce and Ecology, is soliciting public feedback on the draft Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). The CCAP will serve as a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieve state climate and energy mandates. Opportunities for public comment include attending listening sessions via Zoom on July 17 and Aug. 12, submitting a public comment, and sharing your story of a successful climate action or your need for new climate actions that you would like featured in the CCAP. Learn more on the Washington Climate Partnership website.
This Thursday: Workshop on 2026-29 interim Clean Energy Implementation Plan
The Department of Commerce has rescheduled its second workshop on the interim Clean Energy Implementation Plan (CEIP) to this Thursday, July 10 from 1-2:30 p.m. In this Zoom workshop, Commerce staff will review and answer questions about the 2026-29 interim CEIP reporting template. Staff will also provide guidance to consumer-owned utilities who must submit plans by Jan. 1, 2026 under the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Register for the workshop today.
Rulemaking notice and public hearing on climate planning and growth management
In June, the Department of Commerce filed draft rules to update Washington Administrative Codes governing climate planning and growth management and to implement ESSB 1181 (2023). Commerce is conducting this rulemaking to create guidance for cities and counties to use when developing comprehensive plan updates, including guidance on climate elements like addressing community resilience to climate change and greenhouse gas emission reductions. The public can provide feedback on these draft rules by attending a virtual public information session on Aug. 6 or by emailing written comments to Deborah Jacobs by 5 p.m. on Aug. 8. For questions, concerns or disability accommodation, please contact Deborah Jacobs at GMARulemaking@Commerce.wa.gov.
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Ilene Munk
Clean Energy Technology Workforce Policy Manager
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