Voters in Washington state will decide in November whether to keep or repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, a cap-and-trade program that funds green energy projects.
In short:
- Washington’s cap-and-trade program funds clean energy and transit projects but faces a repeal initiative backed by a Republican hedge fund manager.
- Similar climate legislation in states like Minnesota and Michigan faces challenges, as elections may shift power to Republicans who oppose such efforts.
- Climate action is increasingly moving to state legislatures as national politics remain gridlocked on the issue.
Key quote:
“This isn’t just a red and blue issue. These are people’s lives.”
— Courtney Bourgoin, deputy director for the Midwest region, Evergreen Action
Why this matters:
Climate policy battles at the state level will determine whether and where existing efforts to reduce emissions and promote clean energy can survive. A repeal in Washington could stall crucial climate initiatives for years and impact other states considering similar policies.
