Op-ed: How current programs can inform future cap-and-trade investments

NZC’s Sam Uden published an op-ed in Capitol Weekly that examines Governor Newsom’s proposal to extend California’s cap-and-trade program to 2045, as outlined in the May Revision to the state budget. The analysis shows that many Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund investments are not cost-effective at reducing emissions, and key expenditures are not aligned with the state’s climate strategies. The op-ed calls for an ‘affordable net-zero’ investment framework that would focus investments in three key areas: clean energy infrastructure, such as electrical transmission; climate technology innovation, such as industrial decarbonization and carbon removal; and climate resilience, including wildfire prevention.

This op-ed was published as a follow-on to NZC’s analysis of the FY25-26 May Revise. For the full analysis, see our blog: Analyzing the Governor’s proposed climate actions in the May Revise budget

For more information on the “Affordable, Net-Zero” Framework, see: An “Affordable Net-Zero” investment strategy: Analysis and recommendations to reallocate GGRF to achieve California’s climate and energy affordability goals

For more information on NZC’s Special Projects, contact Amanda DeMarco (amanda@netzerocalifornia.org) or Sam Uden (sam@netzerocalifornia.org).