Aug04
ECOLOGY PROPOSES 2027 REFRIGERANT FEES
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has released its draft 2027 workload analysis, program budget and proposed fee structure for the state’s Refrigerant Management Program.
For the potato industry here in Washington, most potato sheds are expected to fall within Ecology’s “medium facility” category, which covers facilities with refrigeration equipment containing between 200 and 1,499 pounds of regulated refrigerant. Medium facilities were required to begin registering with the program in 2026 and will represent a significant portion of the program’s projected registrations and revenue in 2027.
Proposed 2027 Fees
Ecology is proposing the following fee structure:
- Large facilities: $250 base fee
- Medium facilities: $100 base fee
- All registered facilities: An additional charge of $0.45 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent, calculated from the facility’s total refrigerant charge
- Maximum fee: $5,000 per facility
Fees would be prorated for equipment reported as mothballed during 2026.
Ecology estimates that individual facility fees would range from approximately $154 to the $5,000 cap, depending on the amount and type of refrigerant used.
Why Ecology Is Adjusting the Fees
Ecology estimates that operating the Refrigerant Management Program will cost approximately $1.38 million in 2027. Those costs include staffing, inspections, compliance activities, technical assistance, travel, equipment and general program administration.
The agency also intends to establish a four-month working capital reserve in 2027, with a longer-term goal of maintaining a nine-month reserve. Ecology projects approximately $1.59 million in 2027 revenue, based partly on continued growth in medium-facility registrations and an estimated 225 additional medium facilities registering by the end of 2026. Ecology plans to add staff as registrations increase, including an additional environmental specialist focused on outreach and technical assistance.
WSPC Is Engaged in the Refrigerant Discussion
Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) Commissioner Blaine Meek serves on Ecology’s Refrigerant Transitions Task Force, ensuring that the practical needs of potato sheds, agricultural cold-storage facilities and the broader potato industry are represented as the state develops its refrigerant policies. His participation gives the industry an important seat at the table as Ecology considers the availability and cost of replacement equipment, technician capacity, operational reliability and the timelines associated with transitioning to lower-global-warming-potential refrigerants.
WSPC Wants to Hear from You
Ecology’s public comment period runs from July 31 through August 31, 2026. WSPC will submit comments on the proposed fee structure and its potential effects on Washington’s potato industry. To make those comments as useful and specific as possible, we need to hear directly from growers, packers and potato shed operators. Helpful information could include:
- The size, age and refrigerant charge of your systems
- The refrigerants currently used at your facility
- Expected registration fees and other compliance costs
- Refrigeration maintenance and contractor availability
- Planned equipment upgrades or replacements
- Challenges obtaining compliant equipment or refrigerants
- Effects on storage capacity, product quality or facility operations
Real examples from potato operations will help WSPC explain the full impact of these requirements—not only to Ecology during the public comment period, but also to state legislators as we ramp up our legislative efforts.
Please share your information as soon as possible with Geordy Bryant Greene at
