Washington enacts an ambitious carbon emissions strategy

Exploring Washington's new cap-and-trade program reveals complexity and contention.

Natalia Mesa reports for High Country News.

In short:

• Washington's cap-and-trade policy is designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions over time, touted as the strongest in the U.S.
• Critiques arise around the efficacy of cap-and-trade and its impact on disadvantaged communities.
• Despite the goal of reducing emissions to 95% below 1990 levels by 2050, concerns linger about the actual environmental and economic outcomes.

Key quote:

"We still haven’t seen a good answer for how linkage would actually lead to reduced levels of greenhouse gas emissions."

— Nico Wedekind, public interest environmental attorney at Front and Centered

Why this matters:

The potential of Washington's cap-and-trade program lies in its dual promise: reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change while fostering economic growth through green innovation and jobs. Critics, however, raise concerns about the program's effectiveness and fairness.

How joining a climate program could save Western Pennsylvania kids’ lives and lungs.