Climate Commitment Act passes Senate

Thanks to the leadership of Senators Reuven Carlyle, Rebecca Saldaña, Steve Hobbs, and others, SB 5126 — the Climate Commitment Act — passed in the Washington State Senate this evening.

Senator Carlyle said, “I truly believe we are on the right journey.  I believe it’s good economics and good economic policy. It’s good for our grandchildren’s grandchildren.”

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is recognized by a broad coalition of supporters across the state as urgently needed and appropriately bold, yet carefully crafted on sound scientific and economic principles. Because the bill was constructed — and then refined — with input from business, environmental, justice and labor groups, it promises to produce meaningful results for our environment and our economy.

The editorial board of the Seattle Times says, “The soundly constructed cap-and-trade proposal in Senate Bill 5126 has potential to provide lasting environmental progress… This savvy approach gives shrewd consideration to economic recovery.”

Washington will build back better with the CCA and its companions in the “Grand Bargain” — the Forward Washington transportation package and the HEAL Act — all working together toward a cleaner and more prosperous future for us all.

We applaud the Senate for taking this historic step, and urge the House to bring it home.