Key Takeaways

1. Washington’s CO2 emissions rose during Governor Inslee’s tenure, even after COVID-related reductions.
2. Washington is far from meeting its legislative and executive targets for EV adoption, both in private and government fleets.
3. State data show little to no improvement in Chinook, coho, and steelhead populations over the past decade.
4. Adjusted for inflation, electricity costs rose 4%, while gasoline prices dropped 13% but remain high relative to national averages.
5. To meet its 2030 climate goals, Washington must reduce emissions at a rate three times higher than achieved during the COVID year.
6. Only about 13.7% of state-owned passenger vehicles are electric, far below the required 40% target for 2025.
7. The report highlights the failure of Washington’s climate, energy, and wildlife policies, urging a shift toward practical solutions over symbolic efforts.

Introduction

Governor Jay Inslee made fighting climate change his top issue, calling it “the number one priority for the United States of America” during his presidential campaign. During his time as governor, however, Washington’s CO2 emissions increased, even after COVID lockdowns dramatically reduced emissions in 2020.

Washington state also set goals for private sales of electric vehicles and purchases by state government. In both instances, Washington is far behind the goals set by the legislature and former governor.

Washington is also failing in its effort to increase salmon populations, another top state environmental priority. Poor salmon returns not only mean Chinook and other species continue to be endangered, but it also impacts tribes and anglers and is a contributing factor in the declining population of the Southern Resident Killer Whales, which are also a listed species.

Here is a look at the status of some key issues related to energy and the environment in Washington.

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