Cap and Trade Extension Will Benefit California’s Economy, Affordability and Climate

“Lawmakers must pass Assembly Bill 1207 which reauthorizes and strengthens California’s cap-and-trade program. California has proven that growing a thriving economy and taking bold climate action can go hand-in-hand. Now, it is time to build on this success. This agreement includes key reforms to bolster its power to cut climate pollution while keeping costs down for families. By aligning the future of cap and trade with the timeline of California’s ambitious emission reduction targets, California is positioned to achieve its climate goals in the most cost-effective way possible. We look forward to working with state leaders and the California Air Resources Board to ensure implementation of price ceiling changes maintains the environmental integrity of the program and balances the affordability needs of families. California is charting a roadmap for a safe and prosperous climate future and others are already following our lead. As federal leadership embraces the largest causes of climate change, California lawmakers must acknowledge if they don't lead on climate action now, no one else will.” 

• Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director, Environmental Defense Fund