After failing an attempt earlier this year to introduce a cap-and-trade scheme, Washington state Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday directed the Department of Ecology to develop a cap on carbon emissions.

The process of setting a cap will take about a year, and will include public consultation, a statement from Inslee’s office said.

“This is not the comprehensive approach we could have had with legislative action. But Senate Republicans and the oil industry have made it clear that they will not accede to any meaningful action on carbon pollution so I will use my authority under the state Clean Air Act to take these meaningful first steps,” Inslee said.

Inslee’s proposed carbon market was rejected by state legislators earlier this year amid claims that it would hurt consumers and industry opposition against putting a price on its emissions.

The governor had intended to use the revenue from CO2 permit sales to fund transportation, education and assistance for low-income residents and affected industries.

“The regulatory cap will not charge emitters for carbon pollution and therefore would not raise revenue for state operations,” Inslee said.

“The other key difference is the current proposal wouldn’t create a centralized market for trading of emissions credits, though emitters may be able trade amongst themselves.”

By Stian Reklev – stian@carbon-pulse.com

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