California Lawmakers Seek to Extend Emissions Cap-and-Trade Program

August 25, 2025--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--A bill coursing its way through the California Legislature would extend the state's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions from 2030 to 2045. Authorized by state law in 2006 and launched in 2013, the program requires power plants, refineries and other industrial facilities to purchase allowances from the state for each ton of carbon dioxide equivalent they emit. Businesses can buy or sell their unused credits at quarterly auctions. The program covers hundreds of businesses that are responsible for around 85% of California's greenhouse gas emissions.