California Extends Landmark Cap-and-Trade Program, Accelerates Air Quality Improvement

The California Legislature passed two bills tonight (AB 398 and AB 617) with solid bipartisan support that will extend the state’s landmark cap-and-trade program and give it even stronger tools to improve local air quality in the communities most burdened by pollution. 

“Today California’s elected leaders affirmed the state’s place at the forefront of global efforts to fight climate change and protect public health. This vote ensures that another generation of Californians will enjoy a world-leading cap-and-trade program that places a firm and declining limit on carbon pollution and holds polluters accountable. At the same time, it provides the flexibility and cost-effectiveness necessary to achieve one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world. And it ensures that California’s economy will continue to reap the rewards of being on the cutting edge of the clean energy revolution, with all the investment and jobs that brings.

“Being a global leader also means addressing environmental threats that hit closest to home. The new air quality law will deliver cleaner air to California’s most burdened communities at a time when the Trump administration is trying to delay and dismantle federal protections for air quality.

“California is once again showing Washington, D.C. and the rest of the world, that fighting climate and air pollution is the right thing for our health, economy, and future.” 

• Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund