SB 5735-S - DIGEST |
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB) |
Requires the state to adhere to certain policies when presenting its position on any regional or national emissions reduction program that relies on a multisector, market-based approach to regulating greenhouse gas emissions. |
Requires the department of ecology to: (1) Design voluntary annual statewide emissions targets beginning with calendar year 2009; |
(2) Design a voluntary Washington emissions reduction registry, whose sole purpose is to assist persons in achieving recognition for emissions reductions; |
(3) Establish criteria for recognizing voluntary offset credits for offset projects that may be used to report equivalent emissions reductions under section 4 of the act or that may be projects sponsored in this state that may be offered in emerging carbon markets where state recognition will enhance the market value of the projects; |
(4) Present the state's policy on forestry offset projects established under section 7 of the act as the state's position when developing the criteria for forestry offset projects within any other regional or national emissions reduction program; |
(5) In consultation with the forest practices board, the department of natural resources, and the forest carbon working group, develop the state's policy for forestry offset projects within Washington; and |
(6) In consultation with Washington State University and the department of agriculture, reestablish the agriculture carbon working group to develop recommendations for agricultural offset projects within Washington. |
Authorizes the director of the department of ecology to monitor and discuss with representatives of other jurisdictions within the western climate initiative the formation of an organization, including a nonprofit corporation to carry out certain administrative functions. |
Creates the voluntary climate emissions reduction incentives account. |