Development of tools to evaluate expenditures from the carbon emissions reduction account (CERA)
JTC Project Manager: Paul Neal - paul.neal@leg.wa.gov
In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), establishing a comprehensive program to reduce carbon pollution and achieve greenhouse gas limits set in state law. The CCA creates a market-based “cap-and invest" program that sets a cap on overall carbon emissions in the state and requires businesses to obtain allowances equal to their covered greenhouse gas emissions. A portion of the proceeds from the auctions are deposited in the. Carbon Emissions Reduction Account (CERA) for projects reducing emissions from the transportation sector and increasing access to public and alternative transportation
The 2023-25 Transportation Budget (Sec, 204 (7)) directed the JTC to oversee the development of tools and methodologies to ensure efficient investment of CERA funds. The tools will evaluate program delivery for CERA funded investments to replace emission producing vehicles with zero emission vehicles or vessels. The JTC hired ICF International in March of 2024 to develop and implement the tool.
The tool design and was completed during the 2023-25 biennium. This included providing support for tool users.
2025-27 Tool Implementation
The 2025-27 Transportation Budget directed the JTC to manage the tool during the initial reporting rollout through the end of the biennium. The JTC has extended the contract with ICF international to continue hosting the tool and provide support to the JTC and users. The first reporting deadline is November 1, 2025, with results available to Legislators and Legislative staff in time for the 2026 Legislative session.