An initiative that would have ended the state’s “cap and invest” program failed, leaving the program in place.
Washington state voters rejected an effort that would have ended the state’s carbon tax trading program, reports Carl Smith in Governing.
The 2021 Washington Climate Commitment Act created a “cap and invest” program that taxed certain businesses per ton of carbon emissions and capped the total emissions allowed for the state. “Washington is the second state, after California, to cap emissions and require businesses that release large amounts of carbon to pay for the right to do so. Since its program was implemented in January 2023, it has brought more than $2 billion to the state — money used to fund clean energy, transportation, conservation and tribal-led projects.”
Washington Governor Jay Inslee calls the initiative’s defeat “a bugle call to action” for other states and could lead to more collaboration between states and provinces, which would stabilize the carbon market, according to Inslee.
FULL STORY: Washington Voters Say 'Yes' to Taxing Carbon Emissions
Canadian Supreme Court Upholds Carbon Tax
A historic ruling in Canada allows the federal government to supersede the efforts of provinces in fighting the causes of climate change.
LA’s Trees Absorb More Carbon Than Expected, But Can’t Do It Alone
A USC study finds that Los Angeles’ urban trees absorb more carbon than expected, but while they provide crucial environmental benefits, they cannot replace the urgent need for systemic emissions reductions.
Data Center Emissions Far Outpace Tech Company Claims
In-house data centers owned by several major tech companies likely produce over six times as many greenhouse gas emissions as their owners estimate.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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