California on Monday passed legislation that would extend its cap-and-trade program, a key climate change policy in the Golden State.
According to Los Angeles Times, eight Republicans supported the bill, which lengthens the program until 2030.
Gov. Jerry Brown (D) touted the legislation’s success and the bipartisan push by lawmakers in a statement.
{mosads}”Republicans and Democrats set aside their differences, came together and took courageous action,” the governor said, as reported by the Times. “That’s what good government looks like.”
Under the cap-and-trade program, companies must purchase permits before emitting greenhouse gases. It also creates revenue for construction of the bullet train that will connect Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Times said.
“California Republicans are different than national Republicans,” Assembly Republican leader Chad Mayes told the newspaper. “Many of us believe that climate change is real, and that it’s a responsibility we have to work to address it.”