The future of California's cap-and-trade program, a cornerstone of the state's climate efforts, is uncertain and has sparked a contentious debate. Climate experts argue that the state cannot achieve its climate goals without this program, highlighting its significance in the fight against climate change. The cap-and-trade system is designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions by auctioning permits and enabling companies to trade emissions allowances, effectively creating a financial incentive for reducing emissions. Its potential renewal is a crucial moment for California's climate policy and the broader landscape of environmental efforts, as it will significantly influence the state's ability to meet its ambitious environmental targets.