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Climate Center explains cap‑and‑trade stakes and GGRF funding to Larkspur forum
Summary
Barry of The Climate Center told Larkspur’s forum that cap‑and‑trade design choices this year could lock in policy for decades, called for phasing out free allowances and strengthening offsets, and urged directing revenue to nature‑based solutions and direct consumer rebates.
Barry, a longtime representative of The Climate Center, told the Larkspur Climate Action Forum on Aug. 13 that state policy choices about cap‑and‑trade and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) are consequential for local governments. "Whatever decision the legislature and the governor make on this policy could lock us in for 20 years on how we're dealing with climate change through the cap‑and‑trade program," Barry said.
Barry summarized program mechanics: regulated businesses face a state cap and either reduce emissions, buy allowances at auction, or use offsets; proceeds fund the GGRF which supports transportation, housing, forestry, and other programs. He said the program has generated billions in revenue and that reauthorization is likely to be a major policy fight. "We are giving free allowances to oil and gas companies under this program," Barry said, noting advocates seek to phase out those giveaways and to improve offset quality.
He flagged specific priorities his organization is pushing: AB740 (virtual power plants), increased nature‑based sequestration, reforms to cap‑and‑trade design including an emissions containment reserve and tighter limits on offsets, and a continuous appropriation for nature‑based solutions from the GGRF. Barry also encouraged local advocacy and offered to share simplified action items and slides.
Forum members asked for plain‑language materials to explain how local jurisdictions and residents can act. David Muller requested specific actions both individuals and jurisdictions can take to support cap‑and‑trade reform; Barry agreed to provide links and a short action item summary for distribution to the forum.
