Department of Ecology seeking input on greenhouse gasses

The Department of Ecology is seeking public input on a proposed new rule requiring reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. A hearing is planned on the proposed rule at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at its Eastern Regional Office at 4601 N. Monroe in Spokane. The 2008 Legislature directed Ecology to adopt rules establishing a mandatory greenhouse gas emission reporting system for two classifications. The first is owners or operators of a fleet of on-road motor vehicles that as a fleet emit at least 2,500 metric tons of greenhouse gases annually in Washington. These could include trucking and delivery fleets, rental car companies, large customer service fleets, such as phone, cable or power companies, and large government-agency fleets. The second is a stationary source, a mobile source for transportation of people or cargo, or a combination of these stationary and mobile sources that emits at least 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases annually in Washington. This could be refineries, pulp and paper mills, cement kilns, some lumber mills, large food processors, and some entities that use fossil fuels to generate power, steam, heat or cooling. Large fleets of aircraft, marine vessels or rail equipment also must report if they emit at least 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases a year in the state. A final rule is expected by early 2010, and the reporting period will be for 2009 emissions. The rule proposes that sources whose 2009 emissions meet the reporting thresholds must report their emissions by Oct. 31, 2010. This rule has been discussed by Ecology and various business entities. Seven public workshops were held through the state as well. Along with the Spokane hearing, a second hearing is planned Nov 5 in Lacey. Comments can be sent until 5 p.m. Nov. 12 to Nancy Pritchett, Air Quality Program, Washington Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. Comments can also be emailed to nancy.pritchett@ecy.wa.gov or by fax at (360) 407-7534