Washington State’s wood-burning stoves: Still legal, but with stricter emissions rules

A bill that some feared would lead to a ban on wood-burning stoves in Washington passed a Senate committee on Friday—but without the harsh restrictions that many had worried about.

The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee gave Senate Bill 5174 a “do pass” recommendation, meaning it could soon go to a vote before the full Senate. The committee adopted a substitute bill proposed by the original sponsor, Senator Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, which ensures cleaner-burning wood stoves without outright banning them.

Will wood-burning stoves still be allowed?

Yes. Despite growing environmental concerns, Washingtonians will still be able to use and install wood-burning stoves. However, the state is aligning its emission standards with federal rules that take effect on January 1, 2025, meaning only cleaner-burning models will be allowed.

The revised bill retains the existing definition of “solid fuel-burning devices” but incorporates the term “wood-burning device” to clarify its scope.

It also removes language that would have granted the Washington State Department of Ecology the authority to create its own certification process.

“The agency doesn’t need rulemaking; they can adopt the federal standard and put it into statute,” said Senator Shelly Short, R-Ferry County, who represents a large rural district in northeast Washington.

Instead, emission standards for new wood stoves must match federal standards, and if those federal rules become less strict in the future, Washington must maintain its more rigorous standards.

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Why the change?

Lawmakers are responding to reports questioning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to enforce its own certification process.

A 2021 study from an air quality agency found flaws in the EPA’s certification program, allowing non-compliant stoves to be sold. A subsequent 2024 report from the Office of the Inspector General raised similar concerns, stating that some stoves on the market might not meet federal Clean Air Act standards.

By creating a voluntary verification program, the state aims to provide consumers with additional confidence that the stoves they purchase truly meet emission standards.

“A voluntary program allows people to see that stoves are actually passing the standards they claim to be passing,” said Senator Shewmake.

Under the program, manufacturers can submit their federally required compliance documents to the Department of Ecology for review. If a stove meets the standards, the department will verify it. However, participation in this program is optional, and manufacturers who skip it won’t face penalties.

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Tighter standards for new stoves

While the bill doesn’t ban existing wood stoves, it does restrict what can be installed in new or remodeled buildings. Any new wood-burning device must meet Washington’s updated emission standards, which will be as strict as—or stricter than—those set by the EPA in early 2025.

The bill also reinforces a 1992 requirement that all new and significantly remodeled homes in urban areas must have a primary heat source other than wood-burning stoves. This means that in urban growth zones or areas with known air pollution issues, homeowners can’t rely solely on wood heat.

Opponents of the bill worry that even voluntary programs could cast doubt on long-standing wood stove manufacturers.

“This is a legitimate industry, and this process could give consumers pause—are these stoves even certified?” said Senator Short, voicing concerns about unintended consequences for the market.

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What’s next for wood stove users?

For those already using a wood-burning stove, nothing changes—at least for now. The bill doesn’t mandate replacing existing stoves. However, as air quality regulations become more stringent, older stoves may face tighter restrictions in the future.

The state is also continuing its regional wood stove change-out program, which offers incentives to replace older, higher-polluting stoves with cleaner models. Under the new bill, voluntary verification could play a role in determining which stoves qualify for financial assistance.

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Balancing air quality and affordable heating

Wood-burning stoves remain an essential heat source for many Washington residents, particularly in rural areas where alternative heating options can be costly or unreliable.

“My intention was never to take away anyone’s wood stoves,” said Senator Shewmake, acknowledging their importance.

Lawmakers appear to be walking a fine line between environmental protection and practicality—ensuring people can still use wood stoves while keeping pollution in check.

The bill must pass out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee before it can be sent to the full Senate for a vote.

Matt Markovich often covers the state legislature and public politics for KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of Matt’s stories here. Follow him on X, or email him here. 

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