BECAUSE THERE IS A CLIMATE CRISIS, WE OPPOSE I-2117

  • The CCA is one of several state laws intended to drive down Washington’s contributions to climate change.

  • The CCA requires that businesses who produce more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions buy allowances equal to their excess greenhouse gas emissions. Allowances are available when other companies lower emissions. The allowances can be obtained through auctions hosted by the Department of Ecology or on a secondary market.

  • Proceeds from the auctions fund projects across the state that enhance clean transportation, improve air quality, and support energy-efficient infrastructure. At least 35% of the funds are directed towards projects benefiting overburdened communities, with a significant focus on environmental justice.

  • The state raised $1.82 billion from the sale of allowances in 2023 and $136 million from the first auction of 2024 held in March.

Initiative 2117 seeks to repeal Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA.) The CCA is landmark legislation passed by the Democratic legislature in 2021 requiring the state’s largest polluters to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Further, despite the stark reality of climate change, Initiative 2117 would bar any future similar program to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Who’s behind the initiative? Republicans. Brian Heywood, a Redmond millionaire, paid for the signature-gathering and the state Republican Party chairman, Jim Walsh, wrote the initiative language to prevent the state from adopting any similar programs that reduce climate pollution. They claim they want to protect consumers from high gas prices yet do little to address the fact that the oil and gas industry is racking up billions in profits. For example, in 2022 Exxon racked up nearly $60 billion in profits and $36 billion in 2023. Nor do the initiative proponents acknowledge that Washington’s gas prices are in line with several western states including Nevada, California and Oregon.

Our position: VOTE NO. The need to address the climate crisis, locally and globally, is urgent and the fact is that the CCA is an important tool to cut emissions: it provides an incentive to business and industry to reduce their GHG emissions - and generates funds that accelerate investments in climate solutions. IF the CCA is found to disproportionately hit low-income households and non-profits, such concerns can be addressed through program amendments, rather than axing necessary climate actions. Further, the effects of climate change are harder on lower income families; eliminating the CCA and its investments in climate solutions to potentially reduce gas prices is not a sound solution.

Vote NO on I-2117