Washington Governor Signs Bills to Promote Renewable Natural Gas

Jay Inslee, the governor of Washington, has signed a bill to increase the use and development of renewable natural gas (RNG) in the State of Washington. RNG is produced from biogas, which is released during the decomposition of organic materials.

“This bill will help in our fight against climate change by reducing highly polluting methane emissions and displacing fossil fuels with low-carbon, renewable sources of biogas,” said Gov. Inslee in a statement. “As we transition to a clean-energy future, this will help us promote production of renewable natural gas from landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food processing and agriculture, while also helping create jobs and promote rural economic development across our state.”

Proponents of the bill included the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, the Northwest Gas Association and regional renewable energy companies Promus Energy and Regenis.

“By supporting renewable natural gas project development, Washington’s leaders are supporting the creation of clean energy sector jobs, improved air quality and public health,” said Johannes Escudero, CEO of the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, in a statement. “Methane mitigation, carbon sequestration and decarbonization of our existing natural gas infrastructure occur with each new RNG project.”