(The Center Square) – Two significant events this month advanced Washington state on its path toward linking its carbon market with the established systems of California and Quebec, Canada.

California extended its cap-and-trade program, which was set to expire in 2030, through 2045 as part of a six-bill climate and energy package passed by the Legislature on Sept. 13. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law Friday. The reauthorization puts the two states’ programs on similar timelines and goals, setting the stage for a California-Quebec-Washington linked market.

On Sept. 5, the Washington State Department of Ecology ended an informal comment period on linkage rule-making. Recent draft rules reflect legislation passed during this year’s legislative session, including House Bill 1

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