Climate Commitment Act
History
History
The Climate Commitment Act stands as a remarkable example of effective state-level policy aimed at mitigating climate pollution and fostering a fair and sustainable future.
Back in 2021, Washington State took a pioneering step by passing the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), a groundbreaking cap-and-invest legislation. This forward-looking law places a gradual limit on climate-warming emissions and allocates resources to implement solutions that promote equity, prosperity, and resilience across the state. Working hand-in-hand with other robust state policies, the CCA is projected to achieve an impressive 95% reduction in emissions by 2050. Moreover, it fosters stronger consultations with tribal nations, enhances air quality and environmental justice, bolsters climate-focused initiatives, and bolsters the state’s economy.
The journey toward passing the CCA holds valuable insights that can be adapted by other states seeking to address climate change. Prior to this achievement, numerous attempts to implement carbon pricing had faltered over the course of more than a decade. However, the CCA triumphed with the collective backing of a diverse coalition of stakeholders, representing a broad spectrum of interests within the state. This inclusive collaboration ensured that the law not only met science-based emission reduction targets but also brought about positive co-benefits for Washington’s environment, businesses, and marginalized communities.
Bipartisan Roots & State Leadership
Cap-and-Trade was first deployed by the George H. W. Bush administration to successfully – and efficiently – combat acid rain.
Charles Tasnadi / AP Images
Could it work as well on the climate crisis?
California was the first state to put Cap-and-Trade to work on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Results there show targets achieved ahead of schedule, with a healthy economy.
Now, just as we in Washington state followed California’s lead but improved upon their program, we anticipate other states will follow our lead. Already, the state of New York is beginning the process of implementing a similar Cap-and-Invest system. California is considering improvements to their system by referencing Washington’s CCA.
Honored to stand w/ @JerryBrownGov he signs extension of cap & trade where we launched the program 11 years ago - a great bipartisan bill. pic.twitter.com/Xf91TbZXjX
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) July 25, 2017
Results of last week’s CCA carbon auction were announced today
Following a resounding election victory, December’s auction shows the Climate Commitment Act continues to work for Washington families and businesses. December’s Regular Auction #8 sold out at an average price of $37.15 across the full volume of...
Stronger than ever
Thank you – for all you did to help defeat I-2117. It was a team effort, and each of you, whether playing offense, defense, or special teams… whether a grizzled veteran of political campaigns or a green rookie, played an indispensable role in this...
How will economists vote?
The Cap-and-Invest Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is 82 pages long, with hundreds if not thousands of pages of administrative rules. Carefully crafted by legislators over many years, it is now subject to repeal by voters who are tasked with assessing...
Press Release: Nearly 30 Leading Economists Sign Open Letter Opposing Washington State’s Initiative 2117 & Warning of Its Costs to State
SEATTLE, WA – Nearly 30 leading economists have signed an open letter opposing Initiative 2117 and warning of its costs to Washington state, arguing that by repealing the state’s market-based cap-and-invest program, I-2117 would force the state to...
WA is a swing state?!?
When it comes to the issue of climate, Washington state actually is a swing state. You may be feeling envious of voters in Pennsylvania and Georgia who are getting all the campaign attention this year, so having ballot power on a significant issue...
What is the state of innovation?
Washington is the state of innovation. And what’s the state of innovation in Washington state? Thanks in part to the Cap-and-Invest Climate Commitment Act (CCA), our state is a leader in creating the clean energy future. Why “in part”? U.S....
Tri-City Herald: Are initiatives on WA ballots worth it? Here’s how much cash they brought to Tri-Cities
Two controversial Washington state initiatives have returned more than $150 million to the Tri-Cities this budget cycle for energy research and to help children. As political pressure ramps up to convince voters whether Washington’s capital gains...
The Stranger’s Endorsements for the November 5, 2024 General Election
Initiative Measure No. 2117NoThis initiative would repeal the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and prohibit the state from ever implementing a similar law, cutting billions of dollars in funding for transit programs, ferries, clean energy projects, air...
We got a glimpse of the future
Last month, delegates on the Made in Washington Study Mission hosted by the Clean & Prosperous Institute got a sneak peek at a major new development: Amazon announced today that they will partner with Energy Northwest to develop four Small...
Environmental Defense Fund: New modeling shows the power and potential of cap-and-invest in Washington state
Washington state’s cap-and-invest program, created in the 2021 Climate Commitment Act (CCA), is nearing the end of its second year and has already raised over $2 billion for communities by putting a price on pollution. Read more...Clean &...
Puget Sound Business Journal: Moses Lake faces power crunch amid manufacturing boom
Well-funded battery tech companies like Group14 and Sila have planted their flags in Moses Lake. The small central Washington town now has to find a way to meet their power needs. Read more...Clean & Prosperous Washington is a project of the...
Tonight, beware of the misdirection play
As the Seahawks face the 49ers tonight at Lumen Field, Seattle’s defense will be ready to recognize fake handoffs, double-reverses, and flea-flickers. At the same time, Climate Commitment Act architect Reuven Carlyle will be ready to defend against...
The Leader: Understand what’s at stake with Initiative 2117 and vote no
It’s difficult to imagine an election season more politically fraught, or with higher stakes, than what we’re enduring this year. Understandably, folks are mostly focused on the national stage, but there are critical issues on the Washington state...
Sightline Institute: (Re)explaining Washington’s Climate Commitment Act
In 2021 Washington enacted the Climate Commitment Act, becoming only the second US state (after California) with an economy-wide cap-and-invest program. With the passage of the Climate Commitment Act, Washington also put in place its primary...
Columbian: Clark County could lose millions of dollars for projects if voters OK I-2117 to repeal cap-and-invest
Environmental projects in Clark County stand to lose millions of dollars generated by the state’s cap-and-invest program if voters repeal it in November. Washington’s 2021 Climate Commitment Act set a limit (or cap) on overall carbon emissions....
Visit the County Fare
Blue-ribbon, green economy projects are being showcased in every county of the state, all made possible by Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Climate Commitment Act (CCA). Yet there is a very real risk of losing the progress those investments are bringing...
The risk of repeal is real – and far-reaching
If you – like us – value clean air, clear water, and healthy farms, forests and fisheries, then you – like us – value the investments made possible by Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Climate Commitment Act (CCA). And you recognize the very real risk of...
Seattle Medium: Study: Initiative 2117 Could Cost Washington 45,000 Jobs And $9.1 Billion In Economic Output
A new study by Greenline Insights has revealed that if passed, Washington’s Initiative 2117 could result in the loss of approximately 45,000 high-wage jobs and $9.1 billion in economic output over the next eight years. The initiative, which has...
Cap-and-Invest is a Force Multiplier
Climate instability is widely recognized as a threat multiplier. More wildfires, Deadlier heatwaves. Higher insurance rates. Increased threats to national security. A recent report by the Defense Science Board concludes, “Climate change will likely...
Center Square: Fact check: Critics say Initiative 2117 would cut transportation funding
A new report published by Greenline Insights, along with proponents of the Climate Commitment Act, claims that if Initiative 2117 is approved by voters and repeals the law, it would deprive the state of state revenue by $3.9 billion through 2029....