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.
