One of the most impactful pieces of climate legislation in state history is back on the ballot this November. It’s not a matter of adoption — the initiative already passed in 2021; voters must decide whether to keep it, and on Bainbridge Island, those least likely to see the benefits long-term are leading the charge.
Around 50 climate action-oriented seniors met at the Grow Community space the evening of July 18 to hear State Representative Beth Doglio (D-22) and Kitsap-based climate lobbyist Mike Kelly explain Initiative 2117 and how motivated citizens can get involved with the campaign to stop it.
I-2117 aims to repeal the state Climate Commitment Act, which is Washington’s goal to reduce carbon emissions by 95% by 2050. The legislation includes a cap on total carbon emissions allowed by the state, and a program that requires businesses that exceed 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in a year to pay for all additional emissions they produce. The funds are then reinvested in sustainable transportation programs and infrastructure. 25,000 tons of CO2 is equivalent to the emissions created by the energy use of about 3,260 homes.
Proponents of I-2117, like State Representative Jim Walsh (R-19) argue that the CCA has played a part in driving up the cost of living for the average Washingtonian, and fails to actually limit carbon emissions. The companies that pay for additional carbon credits pass the expenditures onto consumers in the form of higher gas and utility costs, he said. The average retail cost of gas in the state had an all-time peak in June 2022 at $5.44 per gallon, but has since varied by as much as $1.50, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports.
Doglio said that while affordability is a compelling argument, repealing the CCA does nothing to get the price of gas to go down. She noted that the legislation did not take effect until Jan. 1, 2023, six months after the spike in gas prices cited by Walsh.
“Our messaging has to be about pollution. We don’t want to go backward,” explained Doglio, during a Q&A session after the presentation. “We need to invest in our infrastructure and we have to do it differently than we have been. We have to decarbonize.”
Grow on Bainbridge is an intentional living community for all ages that prioritizes sustainability in the home. The developments are a mix of apartments and townhomes, and many feature amenities like solar power, native landscaping, vegetable garden beds, and walkability to Winslow. Some senior residents of Grow reached out to Third Act, a national organization of voters over 60 who advocate for climate and environmental protections, to host the event with the “No on I-2117” campaign and learn about ways to get involved.
Kelly explained that the biggest hurdle for the campaign is public awareness. Based on voter profiles and polling, there are many voters in Kitsap who would likely vote against I-2117, but just don’t know that it’s on the ballot, he said.
“Find the people who already agree with you and get them to know how to vote,” he said. “It’s not a lot of persuasion — it’s getting the word out.”
One such talking point that hit home with meeting attendees was the ferry system’s dependence on funding from the CCA. The state raised $1.8 billion from the bill in 2023, which has been used in part to electrify school bus fleets, increase access to electric vehicle chargers, ensure free public transportation for youth and monitor air quality. About $3 million from the CCA fund is earmarked for the electrification of the ferry system, on top of federal funding and state dollars.
John Kidd, a BI resident, encouraged attendees to join Third Act and chat with their fellow commuters on the ferry.
“You can meet people who are committed and concerned. It’s an opportunity to do something in our silver years for our families in the future,” he said. “You can have some nice conversations!”
