In a pivotal vote this week, the California legislature passed an extension of the cap-and-trade program with a two-thirds majority, ensuring the program continues until at least 2030, reports Adam Nagourney for The New York Times. Governor Jerry Brown, who has led the United States in the fight against climate change ever since President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement last month, has supported this program because it puts a limit on the amount of carbon dioxide the state can emit annually. It also allows companies to buy and sell pollution credits in order to exceed the limit.

The bill passed with bipartisan support, with Democrats and Republicans both concerned with the climate and the economy. Mr. Brown and the state legislature hope that the extension of cap-and-trade will set an example for other cities and states in the future.