Carbon Markets

California and Quebec Sign Cap-and-Trade Linkage Agreement

Starting January 1, 2014, California and Quebec have signed an agreement to integrate their cap-and-trade programs. On October 1, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Government of Quebec signed an agreement defining the steps and procedures to link California and Quebec cap-and-trade programs.  The agreement, a result of more than five years…...

California to Issue First Carbon Offset Credits

California Air Resources Board has announced issuance of the first carbon offset credits for cap-and-trade program compliance. On September 17, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced issuance of 600,000 compliance-grade carbon offset credits for use in the cap-and-trade program.  The offset credits will be issued through the Compliance Instrument Tracking System for state-issued carbon…...

California and China Sign Agreement to Advance Climate Change Action

California and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate efforts on low carbon development. On September 13, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman, Xie Zhenhua signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate climate change efforts, promote efficient energy technologies, and advance low…...

RGGI Holds 21st Carbon Allowance Auction

Allowances offered at RGGI’s 21st carbon auction cleared at $2.67 each, generating $102.5 million. On September 6, 2013, the nine Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) members released results of their 21st quarterly auction held on September 4.  The auction offered 38,409,043 carbon allowances that were bid in the range of $1.98 to $12.85 each.  All allowances sold…...

California Releases Fourth GHG Allowance Auction Results

The fourth California GHG allowance auction demonstrates continued program success with stable participation and clearing prices.   On August 21, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) released the results of its fourth quarterly greenhouse gas (GHG) allowance auction held on August 16, 2013.  ARB offered 13,865,422 allowances under Current Auction (2013 vintage allowances) and…...

CARB Joins Australia to Improve Emissions Reduction Efforts

California Air Resources Board and Australia’s climate regulator have agreed to collaborate on emission reduction efforts, primarily by sharing information about market-based programs to address climate change. On July 30, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator (CER) signed an agreement to establish a collaborative framework to address climate change…....

California Holds Third Carbon Allowance Auction

California’s third carbon allowance auction raised approximately $280 million at an increased settlement price of $14.00 per allowance. On May 21, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released results of its third quarterly auction, held on May 16, 2013.  The auction offered Current Auction (2013) vintage allowances and Advanced Auction (2016) vintage allowances.  All…...

Taxation Group Report Outlines Energy Tax Reform Proposals

Energy tax reform proposals released by the House Ways and Means Committee outline potential modifications to federal tax code for fossil fuel production, renewable energy tax credits, and energy efficiency provisions. On May 6, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released the Joint Committee on Taxation report detailing tax reform suggestions to 11 Tax…...

California ARB Receives Governor’s Consent to Share Carbon Market with Quebec

Based on findings that ARB met necessary state requirements, California Governor Brown gave the go-ahead to continue efforts to link with Quebec’s carbon market. On April 8, 2013, California Governor Edmund “Jerry” Brown sent a letter to California Air Resources Board (ARB), confirming that the agency had met the minimum requirements to link its emissions…...