Uncovering the Delays: Why Washington’s New Climate Law Is Struggling to Tackle Pollution

For a week, NPR has delved into various climate change solutions, from moving away from fossil fuels to elevating homes in flood-prone areas. In Washington state, tracking the effectiveness of these solutions has become a challenge.

Currently, Washington takes up to four years to report its carbon dioxide emissions. The state’s Department of Ecology only shared data for 2020 and 2021 in January 2025, well past its legal deadline. The next report, covering data from 2022 and 2023, won’t be ready until December 1, 2026.

This delays not only frustrate citizens but hinder effective action against climate change. Republican state Senator Matt Boehnke expressed concern, stating, “The reports coming out of the Department of Ecology are four years old. My bill aimed to speed up reporting so we could make better decisions now.”

Despite efforts for quicker transparency, legislative changes have pushed the timeline further back. Boehnke’s proposal for annual reporting was accepted, but the requirement for timely disclosures has been delayed for five years. Democratic state Rep. Beth Doglio emphasized the need for a gradual approach, citing a projected savings of $400,000 over that period.

By 2030, the state is legally bound to reduce its pollution by 45% from 1990 levels. However, the complexity of tracking emissions contributes to the delays. “Calculating total statewide emissions is a time-intensive, technically complicated task,” noted Ecology spokesperson Jordyn Bauerlein. In comparison, major corporations like Amazon and Microsoft can report their emissions within months, illustrating a stark contrast in efficiency.

During a recent analysis, the Rhodium Group estimated U.S. greenhouse gas emissions fell by 0.2% in 2024, while the economy grew by 2.7%. Yet, NOAA reported that 2024 became the warmest year recorded since 1850, highlighting the urgency for faster and more accurate data reporting.

As concerns grow about climate change, more people are calling for immediate action and accountability. The gap between reported emissions and real-time data can hinder progress and decision-making. It’s clear that transparency is crucial not just for policy but also for public trust.



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Environment | Washington | Washington Legislature | Climate Change | Climate