Seattle joins other Washington cities in opposing I-2117, a measure to nix state’s climate program

The City of Seattle today approved a resolution opposing Initiative 2117, a measure on next month’s ballot that would eliminate a statewide program that funds efforts addressing climate change.

At least 11 other Washington cities have passed similar declarations, as well as the Port of Seattle and King County, which is home to Seattle and tech hubs including Redmond and Bellevue.

I-2117 targets the state’s Climate Commitment Act, a 2021 law that created a cap-and-invest market in which oil refineries, utilities and others participate in quarterly auctions, bidding on carbon pollution permits that decrease in number over time. Funding raised by the act pays for wide-ranging programs supporting the clean energy transition.

Initiative supporters say the act amounts to a “hidden gas tax” that is harming Washington residents by raising prices at the pump and jacking up electric bills.

Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed the resolution, which the Seattle City Council passed 7-0 with Council President Sara Nelson abstaining.

The legislation called out specific efforts in Seattle that have been funded by the Climate Commitment Act as well as future impacts. That includes:

• The $26 million that helped pay for energy-efficient heat pumps in low- and moderate-income housing; $200 utility bill credits for low-income customers; electric vehicle charging infrastructure for city vehicle fleets; and other initiatives.
• The loss of grants and loans for cities and towns for investing in EV charging, clean energy and electrical grid improvements, salmon recovery, energy retrofits for public buildings, urban forestry, and low-income home energy assistance.
• The elimination of future funding for projects to help communities live in a world impacted by climate change and workforce development for green jobs.

“We need to continue these efforts, not stop these efforts,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera, testifying on behalf of the resolution. “We cannot afford to go backward in the fight against climate change.”

Some 500 organizations have come out in opposition to I-2117, including Microsoft, Amazon, bp America and REI. Seventeen of the state’s federally-recognized Tribal Nations have also joined the anti coalition.

The No on I-2117 campaign has raised $14.7 million, according to state filings.

The effort in favor, called Let’s Go Washington, has received $7.1 million. In addition to I-2117, the Let’s Go Washington funds are being used to back three other ballot initiatives. All of the measures originated from hedge fund manager Brian Heywood.

Supporters of the initiative include trade groups such as the Building Industry Association of Washington, Washington Retail Association, Association of General Contractors of Washington, National Federation of Independent Business and others.

No local governments have endorsed the measure, said Let’s Go Washington spokesperson Hallie Balch.