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
Everett Herald: Editorial: I-2117 no bargain for climate, transportation; vote no
The slogan, “Vote yes, pay less” is catchy; we’ll give it that. But the rhyme in the slogan that seeks a yes vote for Initiative 2117 hides the truth that would follow with its passage; in loosened restrictions on industrial pollution; backtracking...
Lynnwood Times: Interactive map now available showcasing CCA projects at risk if I-2117 passes
The Clean & Prosperous Institute, a fiscally sponsored project of the Washington Business Alliance Fund set on reducing greenhouse emissions in Washington, launched a risk of repeal map intended to showcase how Climate Commitment Act (CCA)...
Spokane Public Radio: Advocacy group wants voters to keep WA climate law
Supporters of Washington's Climate Commitment Act are trying to convince the state’s voters not to repeal the program this fall. The act creates specific cap on emissions. If polluters go beyond those levels, they have to purchase allowances...
Washington State Standard: Washington climate auction prices remain low as repeal vote looms
Washington’s largest air polluters snapped up all available carbon emission allowances in this month’s state-run auction – and they did so at a relatively low price for a third consecutive time. The Sept. 4 auction was the last regular sale before...
San Juan Islander: Report: WA’s cap-and-invest program could add 45,000 jobs, $9 billion
Washington's clean energy law could bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the state, according to a new report. Greenline Insights' analysis of the Climate Commitment Act, the state's cap-and-invest law passed in 2021, finds it will...
Seattle Bike Blog: Cascade: ‘Vote NO on I-2117 if you love bikes and trails’
One of the most important choices on November’s packed ballot will be rejecting I-2117, an irresponsible initiative backed by a wealthy conservative hedge fund manager that would obliterate funding for a laundry list of great things Washington...
Gaslighting at a gas station
Are I-2117 promoters selling cheaper gas, or snake oil? At a gas station in Federal Way today, they tried to claim that Washington’s cap-and-invest Climate Commitment Act is the reason our state’s gas prices are above the national average. It’s...
Seeing is believing
NASA released a remarkable visual model of carbon dioxide moving through the atmosphere: “As policymakers and as scientists, we're trying to account for where carbon comes from and how that impacts the planet,” said climate scientist Lesley Ott at...
Suburban Times: Map Update Reveals $186M in Climate Investments at Risk in Pierce County
Clean & Prosperous Institute has updated The Risk of Repeal mapping tool to add more than 500 new projects, totaling $450 million, increasing the on-the-ground Climate Commitment Act investments which exist in all 39 Washington state...
Turning pollution into cash
Thanks to the CCA, a check may be coming your way. It’s estimated that over 20% of Washington state residents qualify for $200 home energy rebates, so it’s likely that you or someone you know is eligible. The Washington Families Clean Energy...
Are ferries sailing into the Bermuda Triangle?
Though Washington State Ferries is the biggest ferry system in North America, few would currently describe it as the best. Over the past several years, vessel and staff shortages have left passengers stranded as scheduled sailings have been delayed...
The Seattle Times: Northwest sizzle a reminder of need to confront a changing climate
... [The Climate Commitment Act is] funding initiatives that help residents stay cool on hotter days: Urban tree canopy projects to break up hot pavement, heat pump installations for lower-income Washingtonians and cooling centers in communities,...
Everett Herald: If Climate Commitment Act is repealed, what local projects are at risk?
On Spencer Island, brackish waters have inundated the wetland at the heart of the Snohomish River estuary. The flooding alone makes future restoration efforts challenging for county and state staff, who will need to use special equipment like...
Gas prices sag as demand drops
Though other factors – such as the whims of OPEC – have greater impact on the whipsaw ups and downs of price points at the pump, customer demand is a factor too, as the current dip in prices proves. According to the AAA, depressed demand accounts...
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Nope. Not going to do it. On this National Cheese Day (go ahead and look it up), your inbox may be full of emails with silly headlines like “Say Cheese!” or “It’s a Brie-utiful Day!” or “Gouda Morning!”. Our message today is too important to be...
Everett Herald: Comment: Passing I-2117 would blast hole in transportation fixes
By Sen. Marko Liias and Rep. Jake Fey "Here’s the reality: Before I-2117 we were facing a $5 billion to $6 billion challenge to finish projects, maintain our roads and fulfill our obligation to remove salmon-blocking culverts. If passed, I-2117...
Is it reasonable to be “unreasonably enthusiastic”?
When Governor Jay Inslee spoke at the Clean & Prosperous Institute’s Future of Carbon Policy Forum, he expressed his “unreasonable enthusiasm” for our state’s growing clean energy economy. He also spoke enthusiastically about the state’s...
E&E News: Battle over Washington’s carbon market hinges on gasoline prices
Download | Full ScreenClean & Prosperous Washington is a project of the Washington...
What is the cost of climate action?
That is a trick question. Climate action doesn’t cost – it pays. Deloitte says “this once-in-a-generation transformation could result in $3 trillion (in present-value terms) added to the U.S. economy over the next 50 years”. According to the...
‘Every part of this soil is sacred’: Restore respect for our shared home
This Earth Day, nothing we could say would be better worth your time to read, than this Seattle Times op-ed written by Leonard Forsman, chairman of the Suquamish Tribe:For thousands of years, our ancestors managed this region’s landscape based on...