California CRE News In Your Inbox.
Sign up for Connect emails to stay informed with CRE stories that are 150 words or less.
California Lawmakers Extend Model Climate Change Program
California’s legislature approved a 10-year extension of the state’s model cap-and-trade program. The three-bill package now heads to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk. The measure keeps California at the center of the effort to reduce carbon emissions, even as President Donald Trump is seeking to pull back U.S. support of the fight against global warming.
The system places a limit on carbon emissions, and requires polluters to obtain permits to release greenhouse gases. This can be done either via an allowance permit or through an auction, which generates billions of dollars in revenue for the state.
California’s program was set to expire in 2020, and faced a challenge securing 54 needed votes in the Assembly. Democrats had only 53 members present, making Republican support essential. California conservatives say the program will raise costs in an already expensive state, and liberals say it’s too timid for progressive California.
For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser


