As Noreen Parks so expertly laid out in her guest column last week, Initiative 2117 on the State ballot this November would not only seriously harm Washington State’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it would also significantly impact the state’s ability to prepare for climate impacts. In addition, the passage of I-2117 would impact the ability of Jefferson County to meet its greenhouse emissions goals, as a number of local emissions reduction projects have been funded by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). In fact, in Jefferson County $23.5 million of investments from the CCA have already been authorized, and a total of $30.5 million have been authorized or planned ($914 per person in the county), with $13.7 million of those investments at risk if I-2117 passes.

The CCA has provided funding for home electrification rebates thru Jefferson PUD, active transportation pedestrian-bike improvements in Chimacum, building efficiency improvements for Chimacum schools, multiple fish barrier removal projects, funding for the EV fast chargers in Jefferson County, the EV Carshare in town and EV workplace charging, for Jefferson Transit for carbon emissions reduction as well as for funding for special needs transit, and funding for protecting forests in Dabob Bay, Mt Walker, Devils Lake, and other areas. It also has funded a range of tribal climate adaptation grants to help local tribes prepare for climate impacts. (See riskofrepeal.cleanprosperousinstitute.org for details.) Local projects, often with local jobs, resulting in cleaner local air, are a win-win. At the same time, the CCA caps emissions from the largest polluters in the state, who then pay for their share of emissions. A well-designed market-based solution to address climate change.

That is why I have been canvassing against I-2177, and I hope you will join me in voting No on I-2117.

Cindy Jayne

Port Townsend