Spokane officials back bill to delay carbon pricing on waste‑to‑energy plant, cite ratepayer, emissions concerns

Commissioner Amber Waldrep raised Spokane’s municipally operated waste‑to‑energy facility and the effect of the state’s Climate Commitment Act carbon pricing on local ratepayers. State Sen. Marcus Raccelli said he introduced a companion bill to delay the Climate Commitment Act’s near‑term application to waste‑to‑energy sources.

Raccelli argued immediate pricing could increase utility bills for Spokane residents and force the county to truck waste to more distant landfills, which he said would increase emissions and shift burdens to counties such as Adams County. He said the facility has seen measures to improve efficiency and reduce emissions and that a delay would buy time to identify market‑based or technical solutions rather than imposing "sticker shock" on ratepayers.

Both officials emphasized the need to continue seeking ways to reduce waste generation and improve recycling education as part of longer‑term strategies. The interview did not record any committee votes; Raccelli described a policy approach he plans to advance in Olympia.