Story perspectives

California Lawmakers Vote on Controversial Cap-and-Trade Extension

9/14/2025

Summary

Lawmakers Vote Extension

California lawmakers will vote on extending the cap-and-trade program, a climate initiative, through 2045.
Initiated in 2013, the program allows major greenhouse gas emitters to buy emission allowances, decreasing over time.
Governor Gavin Newsom supports the extension, citing stabilization of gas supply and pollution reduction.
Critics claim it benefits oil companies and may raise gas prices for consumers.
Environmental justice advocates worry about the program's effects on low-income communities.

Summary

Lawmakers Fund Rail

California lawmakers will vote on a bill allocating $1 billion annually to the high-speed rail project, tied to the cap-and-trade program's renewal through 2045.
The revised cap-and-trade program will focus funding on high-speed rail and wildfire prevention, potentially neglecting affordable housing and transit.
The vote's urgency arises from refinery closures that threaten 18% of the state's refining capacity, risking higher gas prices.
Critics warn the program could raise living costs, with GOP lawmakers calling it a "cap and tax" scheme.
Environmental advocates worry the program enables superficial emission reductions by oil companies.

History

Historical Context

The California Global Warming Solutions Act, signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 27, 2006, aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. This legislation led to the establishment of a cap-and-trade program in 2013, targeting a 40% reduction by 2030. The ongoing proposal to extend this program through 2045 highlights the challenge of balancing environmental goals with economic impacts on low-income communities.

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Lawmakers Vote Extension

California lawmakers will vote on extending the cap-and-trade program, a climate initiative, through 2045.
Initiated in 2013, the program allows major greenhouse gas emitters to buy emission allowances, decreasing over time.
Governor Gavin Newsom supports the extension, citing stabilization of gas supply and pollution reduction.
Critics claim it benefits oil companies and may raise gas prices for consumers.
Environmental justice advocates worry about the program's effects on low-income communities.

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