More than 100 companies, tribal groups, union organizations, environmental nonprofits, and political groups are supporting a campaign to defeat a November ballot initiative in Washington state that would eliminate the marketplace that puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, BP America, and startup climate companies are backing the “No on 2117” campaign, with donations and pledges exceeding $11 million. The initiative, known as I-2117, would impact the state’s Climate Commitment Act and hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions, secure healthy air, water, and forests for future generations.
I-2117 targets Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which established a marketplace where the state’s biggest carbon emitters bid on permits to release greenhouse gases. The initiative would abolish this marketplace and prevent the creation of a similar program in the future. Funds raised from the marketplace auctions, totaling $1.9 billion, have been allocated to support clean energy solutions, assist communities and tribes affected by climate change, and fund transportation infrastructure, among other programs. Supporters of I-2117 argue that the policy has resulted in high petrol prices and increased electric bills in the state, particularly affecting lower-income households.
Washington has been a leader in various climate technologies, including innovation in batteries, green aviation, hydrogen fuel, fusion energy, nuclear fission, and climate-related software and services. Opponents of I-2117 believe that the measure would undermine these businesses and the jobs they create. The state’s revenues generated through the Climate Commitment Act have been instrumental in making Washington competitive in these sectors. The initiative’s supporters argue that the policy has created a hidden gas tax that has made petrol prices unaffordably high and driven up electric bills, disproportionately affecting lower-income households and individuals working multiple jobs.
The “No on 2117” campaign has received support from various individuals and grassroots donors, with 95% of donations being $100 or less. Individuals such as former Microsoft CEOs Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, Tableau co-founder Chris Stolte, and other prominent figures have contributed to the campaign. The initiative’s success largely depends on the financial backing of Brian Heywood, a hedge fund manager from Redmond, Wash., who spent over $6.2 million on a signature-gathering campaign for several proposed initiatives aligning with conservative agendas. The conflicting viewpoints regarding I-2117 raise concerns about its potential impact on Washington’s climate policies, environmental initiatives, and economic development, drawing attention and support from various stakeholders.
Opponents of I-2117 emphasize the importance of supporting the state’s clean energy and climate-related programs and urge voters to reject the initiative to safeguard these efforts. The initiative’s backers highlight the perceived negative effects of the current system on gas and electricity prices, aiming to provide relief for those impacted by these increased costs. The debate surrounding I-2117 reflects broader discussions on climate policies, economic sustainability, and the transition to cleaner energy sources, showcasing the complexities of addressing environmental challenges while balancing economic and social considerations in the state of Washington. Ultimately, the November ballot will determine the fate of I-2117 and its potential implications for the state’s future climate initiatives and policies.
