As Election Day draws closer, interest in I-732 is growing. Here are four top stories from the past week:
Seattle Times: Carbon-tax initiative backers press campaign despite green opposition by Hal Bernton
Tacoma News Tribune: Does I-732 go far enough? Progressives can’t seem to agree by Matt Driscoll
Tri-City Herald: Carbon tax proposal a practical step to limit climate change by Steve Ghan
Seattle Business: The Case for a Revenue-Neutral Carbon Tax in Washington State by Mike Vaska
Also, I-732 campaign co-chair Yoram Bauman recently debated Puget Sound Sage Executive Director Rebecca Soldana before the Seattle Times editorial board. You can watch their exchange on TVW, the statewide public affairs network.
PRESS RELEASE
“It is time to take the politics out of the climate change debate”
SEATTLE, August 16, 2016 – Demonstrating growing bipartisan support for Initiative 732, the country’s first revenue-neutral carbon tax initiative appearing on the November ballot, Republican Senator Mark Miloscia joined Republican Senator Steve Litzow, former Republican State Senator Bill Finkbeiner, former Republican Secretary of State George Shultz, and a growing list of legislators on both sides of the aisle who have endorsed I-732. A bipartisan coalition of support is critical to passing I-732 in Washington in November, and inspiring carbon pricing policies elsewhere across the country that will protect our children and future generations from the harmful impacts of climate change.
Speak Up! Speak Out! — a weekly radio show committed to community, peace, justice, and non-violence issues — recently interviewed I-732 campaign co-director Kyle Murphy. The program airs on community radio stations in Mt. Vernon, Bellingham, Friday Harbor and Olympia. Kyle and program host Jodie Buller discuss the grassroots energy behind the initiative, how it fights poverty and makes the state’s tax code more fair, and why it’s urgent to pass the measure in November.
PRESS RELEASE
Seattle – August 2, 2016 – Sightline Institute (http://www.sightline.org/), a widely respected sustainability think tank, launched a series of research papers designed to offer Washington voters an “impartial and informed” analysis of Initiative 732 (http://yeson732.org/), the first-ever citizen ballot initiative to put a price on carbon anywhere in the United States.
The first paper states, “I-732 would give Washington the continent’s, if not the world’s, most potent, persistent, and comprehensive incentive to move swiftly beyond dirty fossil fuels and to a carbon-free future.”
The second paper examines the question of revenue-neutrality and concludes that “the tax swap is revenue-neutral.”
The third paper evaluates the arguments against I-732 and finds, “the policy’s flaws are … dwarfed by I-732’s potential benefits.”
Yes On 732 campaign co-chair Yoram Bauman recently took to the stage to explain how Initiative 732 really works — and why voters should support it in November. As the world’s only “stand-up economist,” Yoram brings a healthy dose of humor to his presentation, along with some easy-to-follow explanations of how I-732 is good for Washington and good for the climate. Click on “More” to enjoy.
Audubon Washington — the statewide chapter of the National Audubon Society — has announced its support for I-732.
“Climate change is a threat to birds and people, and a carbon tax is a proven solution to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Gail Gatton, executive director for Audubon Washington. “Not only will passing I-732 help reduce carbon pollution, but it will encourage clean sources of energy and secure a sustainable and prosperous future for our state. I-732 is the best option available today to protect birds from this threat, and we can’t afford to stand on the sidelines.”
Read “Why We Support I-732,” the Audubon news release, “Cutting Carbon Pollution” and Audubon’s “Take Action” page (where you can show your support for I-732!).
PRESS RELEASE
Washington State revenue-neutral carbon tax initiative attracts growing bipartisan support from leaders who are concerned about the damaging impacts of climate change
SEATTLE, July 12, 2016 – George Shultz (R), Former U.S. Secretary of State & Secretary of the Treasury, and U.S. Representative Jim McDermott (D), have each announced their endorsement of I-732, the country’s first revenue-neutral carbon tax initiative that will go before voters in the November general election. Shultz and McDermott join leaders on both sides of the aisle in their support of this fiscally conservative and socially progressive policy to protect our children and future generations from the negative impacts of climate change. A full list of endorsements can be found at http://yeson732.org/endorsements/.
“As the reality of climate change deepens, the urgency of taking action becomes more and more pressing,” writes Yes On 732 volunteer Alex Lenferna in the Seattle Globalist. “Fortunately, here in Washington, we have an opportunity to bend the arc towards climate stability when Initiative 732 appears on the ballot this November.
“I-732 is simple. It puts a fee on something we don’t want: greenhouse gas pollution. It then returns the revenue to Washingtonians by reducing taxes on families and businesses. It’s a simple tax swap, and the results could be remarkable.”
Maria Matson of Whatcom Watch recently joined Yes On 732 volunteers Rheanna Johnston, Emma Hewitt, Sally Wheldon, and David Jackman for a Saturday morning of talking to voters. Reports Matson: “They canvassed Bellingham to inform residents about I-732, a proposed initiative to regulate carbon emissions that Washington state voters will accept or reject in November. If accepted, it would make Washington one of the few states to have carbon regulations, and the first in the nation to implement a carbon tax.”