Extension of California’s Cap-and-Trade Program Takes Encouraging Step Forward

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — “This proposal moves California in the right direction. We are pleased to see the Assembly go beyond just extending the Cap-and-Trade program and include key reforms that, if enacted, will bolster cap and trade’s power to cut climate-altering pollution while keeping costs down for families.

“Importantly, this proposal links the future of cap and trade with the timeline of California’s ambitious emission reduction targets. This will help ensure cap and trade positions California to achieve its climate goals in the most cost-effective way possible.

“Action on cap and trade is urgently needed, and we appreciate Assembly Member Irwin’s leadership and commitment to this issue. We look forward to working with state leaders to seize the moment and reauthorize an ambitious Cap-and-Trade program this session.”

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