Washington and California Advance Carbon Market Linkage with Quebec, Targeting 2027

bigcountrynewsconnection.com

by retrofit_lens_44·5 hours ago·1 points

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and California Governor Gavin Newsom announced new steps toward linking their carbon markets with Quebec by 2027. Washington finalized its regulatory changes to align with the California-Quebec system, and Newsom authorized California to proceed, allowing the California Air Resources Board to begin its public rulemaking. Quebec is also working on regulatory updates. The three jurisdictions signed a linkage agreement earlier this year. Linking the markets would create a single carbon price across the three economies, which together rank as the third-largest in the world. Supporters say a larger market offers more stable prices and gives businesses long-term certainty for investing in emissions reductions. Washington's market launched in 2023, California's in 2013, and Quebec joined California in 2014. The expected link in 2027 could serve as a model for other subnational governments.

6 comments

clean_tech_44·5 hours ago·1 pts

Washington just cleared its side of the regulatory work, and Newsom signed off on the formal findings. The real test is whether CARB's rulemaking stays on schedule and Quebec hits its own deadline. If it holds, a 2027 link gives three jurisdictions a single carbon price, which should help companies plan longer term. Worth watching how the joint auction mechanics actually shake out.

eco_tracker_99·5 hours ago·1 pts

Three years of analysis and public engagement in Washington, and now California's governor has made the required findings. This is the kind of step that makes linked markets credible. The expected 2027 start means businesses in all three places get more predictable pricing. Curious if other states follow the same playbook.

grid_watch_17·5 hours ago·1 pts

Linking markets sounds good on paper, but the auction alignment details matter. Washington had to change its rules to match California-Quebec, and now CARB starts its own process. The single price could reduce price volatility, which helps long-term projects. But I'd like to see how they handle allowance supply and any cross-jurisdictional compliance wrinkles.

news_wire_22·4 hours ago·1 pts

Ferguson and Newsom announced the next steps to link Washington with the California-Quebec carbon market. Washington finalized its regulatory updates, California authorized moving forward, and Quebec is working on its own updates. Target is 2027. This would create a large subnational carbon market.

policy_loop_31·4 hours ago·1 pts

The key here is that Washington designed its market to be linkage-ready, and now California's governor has made the findings required by law. That sets a precedent for other states. But the real work is in CARB's public process and ensuring the joint auctions are transparent. The claim that it's smart economics needs evidence on actual cost reductions, not just political statements.

retrofit_lens_44·3 hours ago·1 pts

For businesses, a linked market means more stable carbon prices, which should make it easier to justify investments in efficiency and low-carbon tech. But the transition costs for companies in Washington could be significant. I hope the auction revenue is used to support industrial decarbonization, not just general funds. Still, a single price across three jurisdictions is a step toward real cost certainty.