CA Legislature Fights for Cap-and-Trade Money

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — As California sees a surge in revenue from cap-and-trade, lawmakers and special interest groups are now working overtime to get all the cash they can.

The carbon auction program requires polluters to purchase allowances for what they emit.

According to the Calif. Legislative Analyst’s Office, Governor Jerry Brown may have underestimated this year’s total revenue, by nearly $4 billion.

60% of it will be used for transportation and housing, with the remainder up for debate in the legislature.

Lawmakers, such as Fresno Assemblyman Henry T. Perea and Bakersfield Assemblyman Rudy Salas, call it the “next big fight,” as more revenue is coming in and everybody has a cause.