Nate’s Notes – Climate action webinar scheduled, sales tax changes arrive

State Comprehensive Climate Action Plan webinar nears

The Washington Climate Partnership and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is hosting a climate action planning webinar that takes place 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27. Click this Zoom link to register.

The goal of the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) is to create an actionable, equitable, and comprehensive plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The webinar will share progress on statewide climate planning efforts and Puget Sound regional efforts.

Tribes, state and local governments, subject matter experts, and the public, especially those in communities most impacted by climate change, are involved in CCAP development. The webinar is geared toward the public and people interested in learning more about draft CCAPS for Washington state and the Puget Sound Region.

The meeting will include updates from the state departments of commerce and ecology as well as the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Plus, learn how feedback is shaping these plans and explore key themes emerging from those efforts.

The webinar will provide an overview of the recommendations from the 2025 Summary Report on the Science of Human Caused Climate Change and Recommendations for Washington States Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Limits.

Plans can be viewed in advance at:

· View Washington state’s Draft CCAP materials (Box).

· View the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Draft Climate Plan.

The Washington Climate Partnership includes the Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State Department of Ecology, Cascadia Communications, Evolved Energy Research, and Clean Energy Technology Institute, among other partners.

Sales tax comes to “live presentations”

Starting Oct. 1, retail sales tax collections in Washington will expand to include various services including “live presentations,” which would include workshops, classes, tours and other educational activities that are provided on a farm, according to information from the Pierce County agriculture office.

Farmers should consult their tax accountants and contact the Washington State Department of Revenue with any questions.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814, Laws of 2025, Chapter 422 (ESSB 5814) makes live presentations a “retail sale” subject to Washington’s retailing and occupation (B&O) tex and retail tax when sold to a consumer, according to information from the Washington State Department of Revenue.

The department has a statement explaining the “live presentation” change, which can be viewed here.

‘For Farmers Movement’ grant application open

A national grant opportunity is available for small and mid-sized American farmers to support needs defined by the farmers themselves, according to information from Pierce County’s agriculture department. Grant awards range from $500 to $1,000, for needs such as repairs, infrastructure improvement, equipment and tool purchases, projects, recovery, and innovation. A dedicated team of reviewers from across the country, who are farmers and non-farmers alike, review applications and prioritize on the greatest need and impact. Application deadline is Oct. 31. For more information, click here.

Unlocking capital program offered for beginning farmers

Farmers who have been in business 10 years or less can work with experts to optimize their business model and financial strategy to access needed capital to start up or grow their farm business, according to information from the Pierce County office of agriculture. This program, which is coordinated through the Food Finance Institute at the Universities of Wisconsin, is free due to a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Topics covered may include creating an investible business model; basic accounting principles and creating financial documents and reports; types and levels of capital; creating a financial package for potential lenders and investors.

Click here for more information.