Judge Dismisses Cap-And-Trade Lawsuits

A judge has thrown out two lawsuits challenging the legality of the state’s cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.

The California Chamber of Commerce, and Pacific Legal Foundation, argued that the environmental program amounted to an illegal tax, and should have required a 2/3rds vote of the legislature.

The Associated Press reports that the group also claimed the California Air Resources Board lacks proper authority to sell carbon permits to regulated businesses.

The program limits carbon emissions that businesses can produce, and high polluters are allowed to purchase carbon credits from lower polluting companies.

The number of credits, or allowances, will decline over the coming years.