The state’s Cap and Trade program will be paying for several local projects this year, including an $18-Million green housing development in Wasco and expanded bus service county-wide. Air Resources Board spokeswoman Lindsay Buckley says their goal is to make renewable energy cheaper. “It not only is helping California achieve our overall climate change goals, it’s also helping to drive innovation and market growth, and use new industries that we really need.” Buckley says Cap and Trade’s budget grows every year because it’s a cost-effective way for large companies to offset their carbon emissions. The project for Wasco farm workers will be built near the Amtrak station.

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