Inslee proposes carbon cap and trade program

SEATTLE — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has proposed a cap-and-trade program that would require industrial polluters to pay for every ton of carbon they release. The Democrat outlined the program on Wednesday as part of a broader package to help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Inslee says the plan would raise nearly $1 billion for transportation, education and other needs in its first year. The state would set at overall cap on heat-trapping gases and require about 130 of the state’s largest companies to pay for each metric ton of pollution emitted. The price would be set at an auction. Polluters that cut emissions below the cap can sell leftover permits to others who pollute more. California launched a similar program nearly three years ago.