California continued to advance major climate, water, and recycling initiatives this week, including a potential expansion of its carbon market, progress on the Sites Reservoir project, and new activity surrounding statewide recycling requirements.
California Moves Toward Linking Carbon Markets with Washington
On September 23, California authorized the process for potentially linking its Cap-and-Invest carbon market with Washington state’s carbon market. The California Air Resources Board will now move through the regulatory process required to establish the linkage.
A linked market would allow participating jurisdictions to coordinate their greenhouse-gas allowance markets and represents another development in California’s broader Cap-and-Invest program.
Official Governor’s Announcement — California/Washington Carbon Market Linkage
Sites Reservoir Moves Closer to Construction
California’s Sites Reservoir project reached another milestone as the state continued the permitting process for the proposed off-stream reservoir in Northern California.
The State Water Resources Control Board scheduled consideration of the project’s final water-right permit for November 4, 2026. The project is intended to increase California’s ability to capture water during wet periods and store it for use during drier conditions.
State Water Resources Control Board — Sites Reservoir Project
California Energy Research Takes Center Stage
The California Energy Commission’s EPIC Symposium was scheduled for September 29 in Sacramento, with virtual participation also available. Topics included large-building decarbonization, battery safety, energy storage, next-generation vehicle charging, and energy affordability.
The Electric Program Investment Charge program supports research and development intended to advance California’s clean-energy system.
California Energy Commission — 2026 EPIC Symposium
CalRecycle Continues Work on Recyclability Standards
CalRecycle scheduled a September 29 workshop concerning the 2027 update to the California Recyclability Study.
The study is part of California’s continuing implementation of recycling and packaging policies and helps determine how materials are classified within the state’s recycling system.
CalRecycle — California Recyclability Study 2027 Update Workshop