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Climate Commitment Act update
Money is now available for producers who paid Climate Commitment Act fuel surcharges in 2023.
September 4, 2024
Author: Dani Gelardi
Earlier this year we detailed the positive and negative impacts of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) to Washington’s agricultural sector. To briefly recap, we discussed the many new programs funded by the CCA, including those that make it easier and more affordable for producers to implement practices like compost application, methane capture, and biochar production. We also summarized a flaw in how the CCA was launched: Producers across the state received unexpectedly large bills for their on-farm fuel, due to hefty CCA-related surcharges imposed by fuel suppliers. Under the CCA law, agricultural operations are exempt from paying these fees.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT | There is $28.5 million available to agricultural producers and transporters through this program on a first-come, first-served basis.
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As promised, state agencies have been working with agricultural stakeholders on a solution to halt further agricultural fuel surcharges, and to support producers who were wrongfully subjected to them in 2023. Beginning August 26th, 2024, the Department of Licensing is accepting applications for the Agricultural Support Program (ASP). The ASP was created in response to Washington Senate Bill 5950, and provides support payments to agricultural producers and transporters that paid CCA-related fuel surcharges in 2023.
There is $28.5 million available to the agricultural community through this program on a first-come, first-served basis. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Department of Licensing’s ASP website, or email [email protected]. In the meantime, stay tuned for more information on the CCA and agriculture through the WaSHI newsletter, blog, and social media outlets.
Read Dani's previous Climate Commitment Act articles
Dani Gelardi
Dani Gelardi is the Senior Soil Scientist and Climate Coordinator at the Washington Department of Agriculture where she leads soil and climate efforts for the agency including the Washington Soil Health Initiative.
This article was published by the Washington Soil Health Initiative. For more information, visit wasoilhealth.org. To have these posts delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to the WaSHI newsletter. To find a soil science technical service provider, visit the Washington State University Extension website or the Washington State Conservation District website.