Amid the national climate nightmare of Nov 5, 2024, a few things went right locally, including a WCA that is more energized than ever to counter a new climate denial mindset at the national level.
Our Washington State citizens showed, with 62%, that they want to keep our Climate Commitment Act (CCA). WCA lobbied hard to defeat I-2117 and found many allies. This cap-and-invest act started just 1 1/2 years ago and already has delivered $2 billion for carbon reducing activities in our state. These funds include $500 million for hybrid electric ferry boats, saving some 240 million gallons of diesel over their 60-year lifespan. The overall targets are to reduce green house gas emissions by 45% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
Of the 3 other initiatives on the ballot, 2 were defeated and 1 passed. The result is capital gains tax on wealthy citizens is preserved along with health plan benefits. Unfortunately, the initiative to allow fossil heating systems in new construction narrowly passed. This initiative is being challenged in the courts however.
Dave Upthegrove (D) was elected our new State Lands Commissioner. Upthegrove is currently Chair of King County Council. He also spent 12 years representing the working-class suburbs of South King County in the State House of Representatives and was recently honored as Legislator of the Year by the Washington Conservation Voters. He understands the importance of mature legacy forests as carbon sinks and will be a strong steward of State Lands.
Dave Paul and Clyde Shavers, our climate-inclined State Representatives, were re-elected.
Melanie Bacon, our climate-advocating County Commissioner, was re-elected.
On the challenging side, a climate science denier and "drill baby drill" proponent in the person of Donald Trump won the presidency. He has vowed to curtail federal government efforts to promote meaningful climate measures such as the impressive Inflation Reduction Act which was making great strides to reduce green-house gas emissions on multiple avenues.
Regarding the WCA level of energy: we are seasoned and stronger than ever to deliver more Action on Climate change. We’ve always believed that widespread and effective climate action will become the norm worldwide as the detrimental climate changes develop. It’s reported that 70% of US citizens are concerned about our changing climate. We believe that the contrary belief expressed by the new administration will be their demise and highlight the the call to meaningful climate action.
Caring Community, Local Action!