California’s cap-and-trade program reaffirmed by board

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California’s carbon-trading program got back on track Wednesday, after the Air Resources Board voted to reaffirm its original plan to create a market for carbon emissions permits.

The cap-and-trade program would be the first state-run market in the nation, creating the largest carbon market in the U.S.

Wednesday’s action is unlikely to forestall further court squabbling, which began in 2009 when environmental justice groups accused the Air Resources Board of failing to adequately consider alternatives. A judge agreed in March and sent the board back to reconsider such alternatives as a straight tax or fee for emissions of gases blamed for heating the planet.

The board presented its new analysis and once again voted in favor of the trading system, which would take effect in 2013.

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-- Julie Cart