Two decades later, popular grant program keeps costs and air pollution down

Among the many types of air pollution, fine particle pollution (PM_2.5) is one of the most harmful to human health. Because the particles are so fine, they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. Exposure to PM_2.5 has been linked to worsening respiratory illness, increased risk of death, stroke, nervous system conditions, and cancer. Understanding the sources of PM_2.5 - and the tools available to reduce it - is an important step toward protecting your health.

The largest source of PM_2.5 during winter is smoke from wood stoves. Old, uncertified wood stoves emit about 50-60% more pollution than new, certified wood stoves. New wood stoves must meet emission standards set by state and federal law. (When buying a new stove, consult EPA's Certified Wood Heater Database to make sure it's certified.) However, because wood stoves can last for more than 20 years, there are plenty of old wood stoves still in operation.

Fortunately, we have a couple of tools to help reduce PM_2.5 and improve air quality during winter months. One is an air quality burn ban, and another is our wood smoke reduction grants. For decades, this popular grant program has helped people across the state recycle their old wood stoves or stove inserts, and buy a cleaner burning device, whether that's a new certified wood stove or something else entirely.

Good for the wallet, good for the air

Our Wood Smoke Reduction Grant Program began in 2005, distributing around $3-4 million every biennium in a competitive grant process. These grants are available to local clean air agencies and Ecology regional offices to implement programs that reduce smoke from old wood stoves. Some grantees hold recycling events; others coordinate replacement programs. Each program looks different and reflects the needs of its distinct community. However, all of them prioritize areas that risk violating national air quality standards for PM_2.5.

David Grant has worked as the project manager for our Wood Smoke Reduction Grant Program since 2017. He estimates that since the grant program began, it has distributed over $30 million to partners across the state, and helped replace, buy back, or recycle nearly 13,000 old, uncertified stoves.

The success of the program is largely due to the networks of people on the ground and within each community, helping to spread awareness and provide support. Local clean air agencies are experts at this kind of community buy-in.

Locals know best

For over 20 years, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) has coordinated a wood stove changeout program. The program has historically been funded by EPA, special projects, and local funds. For the last 18 years, it's been funded by an Ecology Wood Smoke Reduction Grant. During the last grant cycle (October 2023 - June 2025), they changed out 182 old wood stoves and inserts with either a new wood burning device; a pellet, gas, or electric device; or a ductless heat pump. Depending on the type of stove they pick, a person can save anywhere from $500 to $2,500 on a new device or receive a fully funded replacement if they qualify based on Federal Poverty Guidelines.

"Roughly 80% of Spokane's air pollution stems from personal habits, including transportation, home heating, energy, and consumer choices," said Margee Chambers, air resource specialist for SRCAA. "Small changes in these areas can significantly improve our air quality, moving more days into the good Air Quality Index (AQI) range - and ensuring healthier air for all."

A big part of the success of their changeout program is due to strong support from hearth retailers, who often refer people to the program and from nonprofits in the community working to help the most vulnerable.

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA), which oversees a four-county jurisdiction that is home to over half the state's population, began administering wood smoke reduction programs in 2006. Since then, PSCAA calculates that these efforts have removed over 9,150 old stoves, preventing over 141 tons of fine particle emissions. "The cash incentive and straightforward process are often all it takes to get that old stove out of commission and onto the scrap heap," said Gail Pethe, air resource associate for PSCAA. Pethe shared that grant funds from Ecology helped them recycle 1,000 old wood stoves over the last grant cycle.

"David Grant and the whole Ecology Wood Smoke Reduction Team have consistently been supportive, communicative, and easy to work with," said Pethe. "Their dedication to this important work and their willingness to work with us as true partners is greatly appreciated."

Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency (YRCAA) runs a rebate and recycling program with a low-income component, funded by an Ecology grant. "People are grateful, especially with the price of everything going up," said Mark Edler, executive division supervisor at YRCAA. There's no doubt, he added, that the program has made a difference in air quality in the Yakima region. "We estimated it would take changing out 40,000 old stoves to make an impact. We haven't reached that number yet, but you can already see the difference," Edler said.

Record breaking success in the regions

Ecology manages air quality in areas of the state that don't fall under the authority of a local clean air agency. Our regional offices - Central Region Office (CRO) and Eastern Region Office (ERO) - also apply for and receive Wood Smoke Reduction Grants. Over the years, the CRO and ERO teams have improved air quality in their counties and seen wood smoke reduction programs increase in popularity.

"Over the last biennium, our program has exploded and tripled in size," said Micah Cooper, senior smoke management specialist at CRO. "It's notable because this is also when we added electric heat pumps - a zero-emission option for homeowners."

Once a homeowner is approved, explained Cooper, they receive a voucher and can decide if they want a new wood stove, a pellet stove, or a ducted or ductless electric heat pump, which provides heating and cooling. Homeowners can qualify for a certified wood or pellet device and an electric heat pump system. The homeowner then works with an approved vendor, who is reimbursed by CRO. "We're focused on areas with the highest population density, wood stove density, and areas closest to the air monitors. Currently, 90% of our funding is reserved for income-qualified folks," said Cooper.

Over the years, he's noticed a difference in air quality. "I remember my first winter up in Okanogan County there were a lot more uncertified, dirty stoves that we came across," Cooper said. "Now, just spending time in the area, there's a lot less visible wood smoke."

ERO has been conducting wood stove turn-in events near Colville for over a decade and interest from the community has grown. "We operate our biggest events in the spring and receive many inquiries even prior to advertising for the events," said Paul Rossow, air quality specialist at ERO.

This spring, the ERO team is starting a program to collect and dispose of old, uncertified wood stoves in the Columbia Basin, roughly from Pasco to Quincy. "We look forward to having another event near Colville in April this year that will hopefully bring in more than 200 stoves," said Rossow.

Burn wisely and responsibly

Keeping our air free of harmful PM_2.5 is all about learning how to heat responsibly and recycling the most polluting wood stoves. To find out about replacement and recycle programs near you, find your local clean air agency on the map below. Then visit each agency or region's website about their specific program. You can also email the listed representative (provided below).

Wood smoke reduction programs by region

• Benton Clean Air Agency
• Ecology Central Region Office
• Ecology Eastern Region Office
• Northwest Clean Air Agency
• Olympic Region Clean Air Agency
• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
• Southwest Clean Air Agency
• Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency
• Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency