WA takes another step to link its carbon market with California and Quebec
Washington’s cap-and-trade program could soon link with carbon markets in California and Quebec, a move that agency officials say would decrease and stabilize decarbonization costs.
The state Department of Ecology released a draft linkage agreement on Tuesday and will take public feedback on it through May 1. The shared market could start as early as 2027.
The idea of carbon markets is to compel major air polluters to switch to renewable energy by requiring them to pay for each metric ton of carbon they emit beyond a state limit. Washington’s framework was created under the 2021 Climate Commitment Act.
Each quarter, the state auctions off a finite number of air pollution allowances. As time goes on, fewer allowances will be available and prices will increase. If a company doesn’t use all of its allowances, it can sell those credits to other companies that need them.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/05/wa-takes-another-step-to-link-its-carbon-market-with-california-and-quebec/