Washington Releases Draft Rule for Cap and Trade Program

Washington Department of Ecology’s draft cap and trade rule is out for public comment until July 15, 2022. Manufacturers who emit over 25,000 MT CO2e will be required to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as will electric and natural gas utilities and other fuel suppliers. Costs to all energy consumers in Washington will escalate as a result. Food Northwest staff and its Carbon Task Force are working this issue and will be submitting comments to Ecology. The Cap and Trade Program will begin January 1, 2023. For more information see CCA.

Manufacturers Must Pay for Recycling of their Packaging

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is beginning its rulemaking process under the Recycling Modernization Act. Industry sectors are now responsible for seeing that their product packaging in Oregon is recycled. They must set up membership associations called Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO) and pay fees to promote and support recycling programs. Our Government Affairs Director Craig Smith is on the PRO Rulemaking Advisory Committee, which will hold its first meeting on July 20. Food Northwest’s Sustainability Committee will be working this issue on behalf of the members as well. For more information see Recycle.

Welcome New Board Members 2022

Welcome New OTA Committee Vice-Chair Jennifer Weekes