By Sarah Philips, LWV Seattle/King County

The Board of the League of Women Voters of Washington voted to OPPOSE Initiative 2117. 

The League of Women Voters—at all its levels—is a nonpartisan organization that does not support candidates or political parties. The League is not apolitical though, and does take positions on Initiatives and referendums at times.

Taking a position to vote NO on Initiative 2117 aligns with the League's state and national positions, as well as our long standing policy positions on climate change.

Initiative 2117 proposes to prohibit enforcing the Climate Commitment Act (CCA).

The CCA was passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2021. The CCA program, effective beginning in 2023, is aimed at reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are warming the planet. This Act generated significant funding for statewide and local efforts to reduce GHG emissions and assist frontline communities to reduce the impact of historic emissions as well as to fund projects that protect our water and air quality.

The CCA raises funds through the sale of pollution credits. The total amount of credits (and thus, allowable emissions) are reduced every year. The law requires the money raised from the sale of credits be invested to reduce emissions and create jobs. In 2023, the sale of pollution credits raised $2.2 billion. These funds are being invested in GHG reduction by reducing the state's dependence on fossil fuels in transportation, buildings, and power generation.