California and Quebec Agree to Link Programs that Cap Carbon Pollution
April 21, 2013
On April 19, 2013, The California Air Resources Board (ARB) voted 5-0 to approve a plan to link its greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program with the province of Quebec’s emissions trading system beginning January 1, 2014.
The linkage is intended to create a broader regional GHG market for the covered entities in both jurisdictions, offering market participants greater flexibility and reducing compliance costs.
CARB's governing board approved the agreement to link the program along with amendments to the rules governing its cap-and-trade program, which was launched on Jan. 1, 2013. The revised rules allow entities covered under California’s program to use compliance instruments issued by Quebec.