SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane residents could see their trash collection bills increase by 20% due to a state law requiring the city to purchase $8 million in carbon tax credits.
The Carbon Commitment Act would require Spokane to buy carbon credits to offset emissions from its waste-to-energy facility. City leaders traveled to Olympia this week seeking a delay in the requirements.
The facility converts trash into electricity, which city officials argue is more environmentally friendly than landfill disposal. However, the facility must purchase carbon credits while regular landfills are exempt…