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
This moment
On our Climate Commitment webinar last week, Senator Reuven Carlyle spoke about “this moment” in our state’s journey to meet our climate change challenge. A moment when we can achieve an economy-wide transformation with a proven-effective Cap...
Webinar: The Climate Commitment Act: A Time for Action
February 12, 2021 How can Washington address climate change? Why is now the time for action? Washington’s carbon emissions have grown 8% since 2012. We can’t wait. It’s time to implement an economy-boosting program to reduce emissions by enacting...
Climate bill update with Senator Carlyle
The Climate Commitment Act will drive emissions reduction and economic gains, kicking off a cycle of progress for Washington. Revenue generated gets invested back in clean energy, health, electrified transportation, natural lands, local jobs and...
A golden opportunity to invest in our Evergreen state
Washington’s Climate Commitment Act will reduce emissions, while raising billions of dollars from large carbon emitters that will be invested in a resilient recovery and clean economy. Investments in clean energy, transportation and buildings will...
Now is the time to act on our commitment to the climate
The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is designed to deliver emissions reduction with certainty while realizing critical co-benefits that create a more prosperous and more resilient Washington. To achieve legislated limits (45% below 1990 levels by...
Creating Jobs is Job #1
Is the Climate Commitment Act really a “Jobs Commitment Act”? Well, in a way it is. Consider this: According to an analysis by the Low Carbon Prosperity Institute, every million dollars invested in the Resilient Recovery Portfolio (the sort of...
What’s the playbook for winning the future?
The global economy is transitioning to a clean energy future, and as with every change, there will be winners and losers. Washington state is well positioned to be a winner in the new economy. Governor Inslee says, “Washington’s culture of...
Can we really cut emissions nearly in half by 2030?
Statewide greenhouse gas emissions approached 100 million tons as of 2018.1 More action is sorely needed. Largely behind the certainty of emissions reductions required by the Cap & Invest approach of the Climate Commitment Act, we really can...
Climate Commitment Act One-Pager
Finally. True climate progress that will create jobs. It’s never been more urgent to cut carbon emissions. With more frequent and devastating wildfires on top of the health and economic crises from COVID-19, we need a comprehensive solution for our...
Press Release: New Climate Coalition Launches in Bid for State To Build Back Better
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:Lee KellerCall or text: 206.799.3805lee@thekellergroup.com NEW CLIMATE COALITION LAUNCHES IN BID FOR STATE TO BUILD BACK BETTER Bill to enact Cap and Invest program (SB 5126) will be heard Tuesday, January 19th...
Climate Commitment Act (SB 5126) Bill Summary
The Climate Commitment Act is designed to deliver emissions reduction with certainty while achieving critical co-benefits that create a more prosperous and more resilient Washington. In 2020, the Washington State Legislature increased ambition for...
Building Back Better
Building Back Better: Investing in a Resilient Recovery for Washington StateThis report analyzes the potential jobs and community health benefits created by a sample portfolio of investments in Washington state. We find that investing in clean...