GHG Reporting Program Publication

This dataset contains greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data reported to the Washington State Department of Ecology from the state’s largest emitters. As of 2022, this dataset accounts for the majority of the state’s emissions and serves as an indicator of the statewide total. Ecology separately calculates the statewide emissions total through the <a href=https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/tracking-greenhouse-gases/ghg-inventories>Washington State Greenhouse Gas Inventory</a>.   

<strong>Reported emissions vs. Covered emissions</strong>
Some of the graphs showing this data distinguish between the total emissions reported to Ecology by large emitters called <b>reported emissions</b> and the subset of that total that is covered by the Climate Commitment Act called <b>covered emissions</b>. 

<b>Reported emissions</b>
•    These are the total emissions from large emitters: facilities, fuel and natural gas suppliers, and electric power entities that emit 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO<sub>2</sub>e) or more annually. 
•    These large emitters must report their emissions under <a href=https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=173-441>WAC 173-441</a>. 

<b>Covered emissions</b>
•    These are the emissions from a subset of large emitters that are regulated by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA): those that emit 25,000 MTCO<sub>2</sub>e or more of covered emissions annually.
•    This subset of large emitters is required to comply with the Climate Commitment Act under <a href=https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=173-446>WAC 173-446</a>.

<b>Notes</b>
•    Emissions from biogenic fuels, as well as fuels used for agricultural, marine, and aviation purposes are exempt from the Climate Commitment Act under <a href=https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=173-446-040>WAC 173-446-040</a>. Because of this, some emitters’ covered emissions may be lower than their reported emissions.
•    To view data by reporter type, filter the Reporter Type column by Facility, Fuel Supplier, Natural Gas Supplier, or Electric Power Entity. Greenhouse gas emissions are in units of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO<sub>2</sub>e) using global warming potentials (GWPs) as specified in Table A-1 of <a href=https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=173-441-040>WAC 173-441-040</a>.

<b>History</b>
Ecology has been collecting reported emissions from Washington’s industrial facilities since 2012. In anticipation of the state’s major climate policies taking effect, the Legislature directed Ecology to collect emissions data from <i>all</i> large emitters in Washington starting in 2022 by expanding mandatory reporting to additional sectors: fuel and natural gas suppliers, and electricity importers.

<b>Reporting timeline</b>
•    Before EY2022: Some large facilities began reporting emissions in EY2012.
     <b>-</b>    Natural gas suppliers back-reported to EY2015 to establish a baseline.
•    EY2022: Additional fuel suppliers and electric power entities began reporting.
•    EY2023: The CCA Cap-and-Invest Program took effect. 
     <b>-</b>    Covered emissions are now being calculated.
     <b>-</b>    Third-party verification is now required for entities that report more than 25,000 MTCO<sub>2</sub>e per year.

<b>Updates to the dataset</b>
•    Ecology publishes emissions from the most recent emissions year annually. 
•    Data from earlier years may be updated if reporters submit corrections that Ecology (and in some case, the third-party verification body) reviews and approves.

<b>Where to learn more</b>
•    <a href=https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/tracking-greenhouse-gases/mandatory-greenhouse-gas-reports>Mandatory greenhouse gas reports</a>
•    <a href=https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/climate-commitment-act/cap-and-invest/emissions-reporting/third-party-emissions-verification>Third-party verification (3PV)</a>
•    <a href=https://ecology