Senate passes carbon cap after debate on green energy as well as transportation

OLYMPIA — A controversial statewide cap on carbon emissions scraped through the Legislature in a 25-24 vote late April 8 after lawmakers passed a Climate Commitment Act that majority Democrats say will boost the state’s economy and address a looming climate problem.

“It’s good for our grandchildren’s children,” Sen. Reuven Carlyle, the bill’s sponsor, told the Senate during a six-hour debate on the bill.

The program is estimated to cost $27.3 million and will likely bring in $228.5 million for the state to partly fund the Working Families Tax Credit.

Under the law, covered agencies must buy al...