The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is Washington’s cap-and-invest program. It requires Washington’s largest emitting businesses to purchase allowances equal to their covered greenhouse gas emissions through quarterly auctions hosted by the Department of Ecology. These allowances can then be freely bought or sold on a secondary market among program participants, allowing businesses to identify and implement their most efficient path to lower carbon emissions.
Revenue generated from allowance auctions is reinvested into programs that further reduce Washington’s overall carbon footprint and create a healthier climate for all. This program works alongside other critical climate policies in Washington to achieve the State’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050.
What is the Climate Commitment Act?
The Climate Commitment Act was signed into law in May 2021, through Chapter 316, Laws of 2021 (Senate Bill 5126). It is one of a suite of laws intended to drive down greenhouse gas emissions in Washington to 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, 70% by 2040, and 95% by 2050.
Environmental justice and equity
The CCA works to center environmental justice and equity, investing in communities that bear the greatest burdens from air pollution as the state cuts greenhouse gases. Funds from emission allowances auctions also support new investments in climate-resiliency, clean transportation, and programs to address health disparities across the state.
The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.