RCW 70A.65.050 — Governance structure.

1. (1) The governor shall establish a governance structure to implement the state's climate commitment under the authority provided under this chapter and other statutory authority to provide accountability for achieving the state's greenhouse gas limits in RCW 70A.45.020, to establish a coordinated and strategic statewide approach to climate resilience, to build an equitable and inclusive clean energy economy, and to ensure that the government provides clear policy and requirements, financial tools, and other mechanisms to support achieving those limits.

2. (2) The governance structure for implementing the state's climate commitment must:

   1. (a) Be holistic and address the needs, challenges, and opportunities to meet the climate commitment;
   2. (b) Address emission reductions from all relevant sectors and sources by ensuring that emitters are responsible for meeting targeted greenhouse gas reductions and that the government provides clear policy and requirements, financial tools, and other mechanisms to support achieving those reductions;
   3. (c) Support an equitable transition for vulnerable populations and overburdened communities, including through early and meaningful engagement of overburdened communities and workers to ensure the program achieves equitable and just outcomes;
   4. (d) Build increasing climate resilience for at-risk communities and ecosystems through cross-sectoral coordination, strategic planning, and cohesive policies; and
   5. (e) Apply the most current, accurate, and complete scientific and technical information available to guide the state's climate actions and strategies.

3. (3) The governance structure for implementing the state's climate commitment must include, but not be limited to, the following elements:

   1. (a) A strategic plan for aligning existing law, rules, policies, programs, and plans with the state's greenhouse gas limits, to the full extent allowed under existing authority;
   2. (b) Common state policies, standards, and procedures for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience, including grant and funding programs, infrastructure investments, and planning and siting decisions;
   3. (c) A process for prioritizing and coordinating funding consistent with strategic needs for greenhouse gas reductions, equity and environmental justice, and climate resilience actions;
   4. (d) An updated statewide strategy for addressing climate risks and improving resilience of communities and ecosystems;
   5. (e) A comprehensive community engagement plan that addresses and mitigates barriers to engagement from vulnerable populations, overburdened communities, and other historically or currently marginalized groups; and
   6. (f) An analysis of gaps and conflicts in state law and programs, with recommendations for improvements to state law.
4. (4) The governor's office shall develop policy and budget recommendations to the legislature necessary to implement the state's climate commitment by December 31, 2021, in accordance with the purpose, principles, and elements in subsections (1) through (3) of this section.
5. (5) Nothing in this section establishes or creates legal authority for the department or any other state agency to enact, adopt, issue an order, or in any way implement additional regulatory programs beyond what is provided for under this chapter and other statutes.

[ 2021 c 316 s 7.]