A little-noticed provision in Washington's climate bill requires certain manufacturers to file expensive, engineer-certified emissions assessments every four years starting in 2028.
Most Washington manufacturing owners haven't heard about a compliance requirement buried in SB6246 that could affect their operations significantly: beginning December 1, 2028, facilities classified as emissions-intensive and trade-exposed (EITE) must produce detailed, professionally certified greenhouse gas emissions reduction assessments every four years.
The requirement applies to EITE facilities across multiple industries, including metals processing, paper manufacturing, aerospace production, wood products, chemicals, food processing, and petroleum refining. If your operation falls into one of these categories and is covered under Washington's Climate Commitment Act, you need to plan for this obligation.
Under Section 1, subsection (9)(b) of SB6246, each covered facility must file a comprehensive emissions assessment that includes:
This isn't a simple form. The assessment requires engineering expertise and third-party professional review, making it a material compliance cost that recurs every four years.
The first assessment is due December 1, 2028. Subsequent assessments are due every four years thereafter. Penalty provisions for non-compliance became effective June 11, 2026, meaning the state has already begun enforcing related provisions of the law.
This means manufacturers have roughly three years to understand the requirement, identify qualified engineers, budget for the work, and establish internal processes to gather the necessary emissions data.
Even though the first deadline is 2028, manufacturers should begin preparing immediately. Gathering baseline emissions data, identifying which facilities are covered, and establishing relationships with licensed engineers who understand your industry takes time. Waiting until 2027 or 2028 to start will likely result in rushed, expensive compliance work.
Additionally, the assessments must include feasibility analyses of emissions reductions. This means the state is signaling that it expects facilities to evaluate—and potentially implement—emissions reduction measures. The assessment itself may lead to future compliance obligations or operational changes.
Review whether your facility qualifies as EITE under the Climate Commitment Act. If it does, begin documenting your current emissions baseline and identify the professional engineering resources you'll need. Some industry associations and business groups have published guidance specific to this requirement.
The full text of SB6246 is available through the Washington State Legislature website. Section 1, subsection (9)(b), beginning on page 8, contains the specific assessment requirements.
For industry-specific guidance on SB6246 compliance, contact your trade association or a business advisor familiar with Washington's Climate Commitment Act requirements.