Washington voters face costly decisions in the fight over climate and gas prices

Washington state’s expensive battle over its 2021 Climate Commitment Act intensifies as voters decide whether to repeal the law, which caps emissions and funds clean energy projects, or keep it in place despite rising gas prices.

Claire Withycombe reports for The Seattle Times.

In short:

Nearly $20 million has been spent on campaigns for and against repealing Washington’s climate law, primarily over its impact on gas prices.
Proponents argue that the carbon market drives up gas costs, while opponents say repealing the law would cut vital funding for transportation and environmental projects.
Polls show voter opinion split, with 24% undecided as election day approaches.

Key quote:

“The only guarantee of Initiative 2117 is cuts to transportation, cuts to clean air programs, cuts to programs that protect our waterways.”

— Mark Prentice, spokesperson for No on 2117

Why this matters:

Washington’s decision will impact not just fuel prices but the state’s ability to fund projects addressing air quality, public health and infrastructure. Repealing the law could reduce funding for environmental programs critical to reducing pollution.

Learn more: Washington governor defends climate law against repeal effort

www.seattletimes.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

Washington voters face costly decisions in the fight over climate and gas prices

Massive storm Helene poses catastrophic risks across the Southeast

Southern California faces a growing wildfire threat but remains unprepared

Chicago’s Latino neighborhoods fight for more parks to combat climate change

Fossil fuel lobbyists helped push anti-protest laws nationwide

Why Michael Regan backed down on environmental justice promises

EU avoids enforcing fines despite numerous environmental violations by member states

Young voters question Kamala Harris' climate stance as election nears

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.

As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania

“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”