Index
Washington Climate Commitment Act (Cap & Invest)
Summary
Washington state enforces a strict 'Cap and Invest' program that forces major corporate polluters to buy 'allowances' for the greenhouse gases they emit, drastically driving up the cost of carbon.
Rights & Rules
- 01.The state sets a hard 'cap' on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted statewide. This cap lowers every year to force a reduction in pollution.
- 02.Large businesses (like oil refineries or power plants) must buy 'emissions allowances' at state-run auctions if they want to pollute.
- 03.The money the state makes from selling these allowances is legally required to be invested in clean energy, public transit, and communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
- 04.Agricultural operations and aviation fuels are currently exempt from the program.
Penalties
- 01.Companies that emit more carbon than they have purchased allowances for face massive fines of up to $10,000 per violation, per day.
Verified Citations
Washington Revised Code Chapter 70A.65
Source"The department shall implement a cap on greenhouse gas emissions from covered entities and a program to track, verify, and enforce compliance through the use of compliance instruments..."