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ARTICLE · 07 AUGUST 2008

Western Climate Initiative Issues Draft Design For Regional Cap And Trade System

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The Draft Design provides detail that was previously lacking on the proposed design for the WCI cap and trade program; it also contains some surprises

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
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Originally published July 31, 2008

On July 23, 2008, the Western Climate Initiative ("WCI") issued the Draft Design for its regional greenhouse gas ("GHG") cap and trade program. The Draft Design reflects stakeholder feedback to WCI's previous draft recommendations, which our recent update discussed (WCI Cap and Trade Recommendations).

What's New

The Draft Design provides detail that was previously lacking on the proposed design for the WCI cap and trade program; it also contains some surprises:

  • The cap and trade program for large electric generators, industrial fuel burners and industrial process emitters will launch in January 2012. Transportation and other smaller commercial and industrial emitters will not be covered until January 2015.

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