Washington

Washington State has a long history of commitment to its environment and a clean economy. Among the State’s many strengths are its established policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; support renewable energy, green buildings and clean transportation; promote green economy jobs growth; and, address economic and social goals.
In 2008, the state established statewide limits on greenhouse gas emissions for 2020, 2035 and 2050; and set goals to increase jobs in the clean energy sector by 25,000 (above 2004 levels) by 2020, reduce annual per capita vehicles miles traveled by 18 percent by 2020, 30 percent by 2035, and 50 percent by 2050 (from the baseline of 75 billion vehicles miles traveled), and reduce the state’s expenditures on imported fuels.
Strong and well implemented building codes, a combined portfolio of renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, strict emissions performance standards for fossil-fuel generated electricity, cleaner cars and less carbon intensive fuels, and high levels of investments in renewable electricity, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure are some of the strengths that are reducing Washington’s emissions and make it a leader on clean economy. In addition, the State is home to companies on the cutting edge of clean energy technology – including wind, solar and advanced composites manufacturing, the development of advanced biofuels and low-impact hydropower, and energy-efficiency services.