The WCI Partner jurisdictions are developing a joint strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region. 

The centerpiece of the WCI strategy is a regional cap-and-trade program.  The WCI released the design of its program on September 23, 2008.   When fully implemented in 2015, this comprehensive program will cover nearly 90 percent of the GHG emissions in WCI states and provinces.  Analyses conducted on the WCI design indicate that the region can mitigate the costs of reduction emissions and realize a cost savings through increased efficiencies and reduced fuel consumption.  These savings come in addition to the benefits for the region from a cleaner environment and promoting the kinds of investment and innovation that will spur growth in new green technologies and build a strong green economy. 

The WCI is also working together on complementary policies that support the cap-and-trade program, provide additional opportunities to address climate change and achieve related co-benefits of increased energy efficiency, increased renewable energy generation, improved air quality and reduced water pollution, job growth, and increased provincial, state and local revenue.