OLYMPIA, WA – Washington took a key step Thursday to combine its carbon market with one operating in California and Quebec, a move expected to drive down costs for carbon-emitting businesses once the programs are joined.
State Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller signed the so-called linkage agreement during a ceremony in downtown Seattle. California and Québec still must complete additional steps, including adopting regulations, before a linked market can take effect. Officials say the markets should be operating together by 2027.
Once the joint auctions begin, Washington will be part of the world’s largest sub-national carbon market…