Ecology Priorities > Facing Climate Change > Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Stakeholder

Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Stakeholder Information

On September 23, 2008, the WCI Partner jurisdictions released their final design for the regional market-based climate program that reduces global warming pollution to promote a thriving economy and protect public health.

On Jan. 29, 2009, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and legislative leaders announced a Green Jobs and Climate Action legislative package, including an accountable cap-and-trade system in our state, built on the WCI design. See the Green Jobs and Climate Action page.

Also see the WCI map (pdf) and the Western Climate Initiative website.

As designed, the program is the most comprehensive greenhouse gas cap and trade program designed to date. When it is fully implemented in 2015, it will cover nearly 90% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the WCI Partner jurisdictions. This robust regional program can also serve as a model and impetus for action by the US and Canadian federal governments.

This design is the culmination of 18 months of work between the WCI Partners and engagement with their stakeholders that included more than 17 meetings and teleconferences with more than 100 participants each, and written submissions from 245 organizations and individuals.

Climate change poses a significant threat to our environment, economy and way of life. Reducing greenhouse gas pollution is the most effective means to address climate change. Action is urgently needed to slow warming and reduce the severity of impacts. Working together, the states and provinces in the WCI are leading the way.

The Western Climate Initiative's Cap-and-Trade Program
Design Recommendations

• Overview (2 pages)
• Complete Design Recommendations (122 pages)
  • Section 1 (21 pages)
  • Section 2 (48 pages)
  • Appendix A: Western Regional Climate Action Initiative Agreement (3 pages)
  • Appendix B: Economic Modeling Results (48 pages)
  • Appendix C: General Q & A (2 pages)
• Frequently Asked Questions (2 pages)
• Press Release (5 pages)