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Washington's Department of Natural Resources is advocating for legislation to sell carbon offset credits from state timber lands during carbon-allowance auctions, aiming to balance emissions and conserve forests. Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove supports this initiative while facing financial challenges tied to funding services like K-12 education.

A DNR report suggests three revenue-generating methods, including carbon credits, avoided wildfire emissions, and water rights leasing. Proposed Senate Bill 5999 and House Bill 2170 would grant DNR authority for these sales, but the approach faces opposition from timber industry advocates concerned about job and revenue loss. Previous attempts to limit timber land for carbon credits faced legislative pushback.