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
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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...
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E&E News: Battle over Washington’s carbon market hinges on gasoline prices
Download | Full ScreenClean & Prosperous Washington is a project of the Washington...
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No on 2117 is building No-mentum
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Just No This
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Dollars & sense
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Auction Results: Climate Commitment Act working in the face of rising uncertainty
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Seattle Times: WA lawmakers rush to show climate act’s value before it goes to ballot
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Fast Company: Why this hedge fund manager is spending $6 million to kill Washington’s landmark tax and climate bills
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How to win the future
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Track your investments
Revenues raised from Washington’s cap-and-invest Climate Commitment Act (CCA) are invested in projects and programs that benefit communities across the state. These are investments that will pay dividends to you in the form of lower costs for...
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Take the wheel
Or rather, the mouse. Or the track pad… Instead of asking you to read another newsletter about climate change and clean energy, we'd like to put you in the driver’s seat to explore three interactive tools that are both fascinating and useful:...
Flames atop the Space Needle
Did you know? During the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle had a 40-foot-tall natural-gas-powered “torch” burning on the mast at the top. The Space Needle, early 1962. Note the flames coming from the antenna; the Needle was equipped with natural...
I-2117 would take Washington backward
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