The extension of California’s cap-and-trade program has divided environmentalists. The five-year program requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions.
While some call it a historic victory, critics from groups like Food & Water Watch say it allows polluters simply pay a fee to continue poisoning our climate. What do you think? Is cap and trade a polluter loophole or a step forward?
Guests:
Adam Scow, California director at Food & Water Watch
Judson True, chief of staff for California Assemblymember David Chiu
Quentin Foster, director of the Environmental Defense Fund
Web Resources:
Environmental Defense Fund: California Models Climate and Air Pollution Action with Balanced Approach
Food & Water Watch: Food & Water Watch Disappointed by Passage of AB 398, Cap-and-Trade Bill
Mercury News: Jerry Brown, lawmakers announce California climate deal
The Guardian: Breathless in Bakersfield: is the worst air pollution in the US about to get worse?