WA Carbon Market Agreement Signed

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Washington State, California, and Québec signed a historic carbon market linkage agreement“Washington signed a historic carbon market linkage agreement with California and Québec, setting the stage for large-scale greenhouse gas reductions and long-term investment in clean energy across the jurisdictions.”
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  The agreement was signed on June 25, 2026“June 25, 2026 Story Body SEATTLE – Today, Washington signed a historic carbon market linkage agreement with California and Québec, setting the stage for large-scale greenhouse gas reductions and long-term investment in clean energy across the jurisdictions.”
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  The agreement creates a shared system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions“The agreement is a major milestone for Washington in joining the largest subnational carbon market in the world. This unprecedented climate partnership means businesses in all three jurisdictions can make more predictable, long-term investments in reducing greenhouse gases.”
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  Governor Bob Ferguson signed the agreement“Governor Bob Ferguson was joined by Delegate David Ruiz of the Government of Québec, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Climate Jobs Washington Executive Director Cassie Bordelon, Climate Solutions Washington Legislative Director Leah Missik and Washington State Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller, who signed the linkage agreement at an event in Seattle.”
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  California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez signed the agreement“null”
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  Québec’s Minister of Environment Pascale Déry signed the agreement“null”
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  The agreement was signed at a Seattle event“Governor Bob Ferguson was joined by Delegate David Ruiz of the Government of Québec, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Climate Jobs Washington Executive Director Cassie Bordelon, Climate Solutions Washington Legislative Director Leah Missik and Washington State Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller, who signed the linkage agreement at an event in Seattle.”
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  The agreement allows businesses in all three regions to trade emission allowances“In a linked market, allowances issued by California and Québec could be used by Washington businesses to cover their emissions, and vice versa. The three jurisdictions would host joint allowance auctions and share a common allowance price. Market participants could also trade allowances across jurisdictions.”
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  The agreement allows businesses in all three regions to invest in clean energy“This unprecedented climate partnership means businesses in all three jurisdictions can make more predictable, long-term investments in reducing greenhouse gases.”
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  Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program will link with California and Québec’s systems“Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program Created by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) in 2021, Cap-and-Invest aims to reduce carbon pollution and achieve the greenhouse gas limits set in state law. Similar to California and Québec’s program, Cap-and-Invest sets a limit, or cap, on overall carbon emissions in the state and requires businesses to obtain allowances equal to their covered greenhouse gas emissions. These allowances can be obtained through quarterly auctions hosted by Ecology, or bought and sold on a secondary market (just like stocks and bonds). In a linked market, allowances issued by California and Québec could be used by Washington businesses to cover their emissions, and vice versa. The three jurisdictions would host joint allowance auctions and share a common allowance price. Market participants could also trade allowances across jurisdictions.”
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  Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program was established by the Climate Commitment Act“Washington’s Cap-and-Invest Program Created by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) in 2021, Cap-and-Invest aims to reduce carbon pollution and achieve the greenhouse gas limits set in state law.”
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  Businesses can use allowances from any region to meet emissions requirements“null”
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  The linked market is expected to operate in 2027“Officials expect to operate a linked market in 2027.”
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  Washington’s Department of Ecology will host joint allowance auctions“In a linked market, allowances issued by California and Québec could be used by Washington businesses to cover their emissions, and vice versa. The three jurisdictions would host joint allowance auctions and share a common allowance price.”
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  The agreement is part of a broader climate strategy“null”
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  The agreement is part of a strategy to meet state emissions targets“null”
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  The agreement is part of a strategy to boost local job growth in clean energy sectors“With greater investment, the cost of emission-reducing technologies will go down, leading to even higher rates of adoption and local economic benefits like job growth.”