Wednesday, 6th May 2026

Department of Ecology, State of Washington

The Washington Department of Ecology is launching a multi-year public engagement effort to clarify how businesses subject to the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program can utilize engineered carbon management as part of their decarbonization strategies. Under the current framework, covered entities can leverage carbon capture, utilization and storage, as well as technology-based carbon dioxide removal, to exempt specific emissions or purchase generated offset credits. To kick off the process, Ecology will host two virtual meetings: a general overview session on May 21 and a targeted technical discussion on permanent sequestration emissions exemptions on May 28. These sessions aim to gather feedback on potential protocols, regulatory frameworks, and strategies for integrating environmental justice into long-term geologic sequestration and mineralization. In addition to the public meetings, interested parties are invited to submit written comments on engineered carbon management pathways during an open comment period running from May 21 to June 26, 2026. The department is actively encouraging participation from covered businesses, technology providers, environmental organizations, and the general public to help shape the future of carbon management and regulatory compliance in Washington.