I-2117 no bargain for climate, transportation; vote no
By The Herald Editorial Board
The slogan, “Vote yes, pay less” is catchy; we’ll give it that.
But the rhyme in the slogan that seeks a yes vote for Initiative 2117 hides the truth that would follow with its passage; in loosened restrictions on industrial pollution; backtracking on the state’s promise to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to the climate crisis; and lost revenue and busted budgets for a range of improvements for air quality monitoring, transportation projects, green energy transition and disadvantaged communities.
What would consumers get in exchange for dirtier air, more carbon emissions and the loss of billions of dollars in investments in coming years?
Perhaps — if the oil companies are feeling generous — a 10-cent to 20-cent break on a gallon of gas.
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https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-i-2117-no-bargain-for-climate-transportation-vote-no/
Washington farmers urge voters to reject I-2117
By Addie Candib and Melissa Campbell / For The Herald
This November, Washington state voters will decide on Initiative 2117: whether or not to repeal the Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
American Farmland Trust and Washington Farmland Trust are two of the only agricultural organizations that openly oppose this initiative. We did not arrive at this decision lightly. The unintended financial impact of the CCA to farmers has been significant. However, we call on the Legislature to fix the problems the CCA created for agriculture, and we ask voters to separate the wheat from the chaff by rejecting I-2117.
Farmers are essential to a resilient future for Washington. They produce our food, steward our natural resources, and underpin our local economies. But each season they face more and more challenges. Extreme weather and market disruptions compound the difficulties of rising costs, poor infrastructure and increasingly complex regulations. The future of agriculture is uncertain, threatening food security, rural communities and ways of life across the state.
The Climate Commitment Act has significant potential to advance a viable, resilient future for Washington’s farmers. Millions of dollars generated by its carbon emissions auctions have already been invested into priorities for agriculture. For example, the Sustainable Farms and Fields program at the Washington State Conservation Commission received $28 million to advance dairy digesters and climate-smart livestock practices. Moving forward, the CCA could play a key role in funding agricultural priorities in Washington’s climate resilience strategy, which include access to water for farmers, soil health, voluntary stewardship, agricultural viability, farmland protection and food security.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-washington-farmers-urge-voters-to-reject-i-2117/
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