Thanks is due to The Columbian for its April 26 editorial “Inslee awaits climate win.” It emphasizes Washington state’s need to focus on global warming, which should be a no-brainer. Climate change is already devastating Washington, from record-breaking wildfires to possible droughts to impact on our state’s shellfish industry — evidence and costs are mounting.
As the Legislature gets into its special session, it’s clear they should cap industrial carbon pollution to boost clean energy investments and raise revenue to fund K-12 education and transportation, which also shouldn’t ignore bicycling and walking infrastructure.
The editorial was correct in suggesting that if we want to cut pollution, create healthier communities and grow the economy faster, we should note that our neighbors are taking action. California has accounted for the cost of carbon in their economy for a year and a half now. They’ve decreased carbon pollution while the rate of job growth has impressively exceeded the national average. And, they’ve raised billions of dollars of new revenue to reinvest in communities hardest hit by climate impacts.
Polls show a majority of Washington voters support climate action. The fossil fuel industry is blocking progress and it’s time for our state Legislature to listen to the people, not polluters, and act.