August 2016
PRESS RELEASE
“I-732 is the best framework for environmental protection that won’t break the bank”
Sen. Joe Fain, R-47
SEATTLE, August 19, 2016 – Senator Joe Fain (R) joins an expanding group of Republican legislators endorsing Initiative 732, the country’s first revenue-neutral carbon tax initiative. Economists across the political spectrum agree that the most important thing that we can do to take action on climate is to put a price on carbon. I-732’s revenue-neutral approach to carbon pricing, which encourages clean energy solutions by shifting the tax burden onto carbon pollution and away from regressive and burdensome taxes that hurt families and businesses, has proven to be an attractive model for legislators and concerned citizens with a variety of political views. Sen. Fain’s support builds on recent endorsements from Sen. Mark Miloscia (R), Sen. Steve Litzow (R), former State Senator Bill Finkbeiner (R), former Secretary of State George Shultz (R), and legislators on both sides of the aisle.
Save the dates and upcoming events
- Just confirmed! On W Sept 28 in Seattle with UW meteorologist Cliff Mass we will have a wine-and-cheese reception in Kane Hall followed by a lecture; details TBD but save the date!
- Coming soon, RSVP now! On T August 30 in Seattle we are hosting a BBQ at Gasworks Park from 6:30-8:30pm. Bring your family and friends and please RSVP on Facebook or on our events form.
- This Sunday in Spokane: Join campaign co-director Kyle Murphy and volunteers at a campaign meetup at 11am at Atticus Coffee; email Kyle if you need more details.
- On the horizon: W Sept 14 in Spokane we’ll be part of a State of the Green Economy discussion; F Sept 16 in Oak Harbor I’ll be speaking at the Rotary Club; Th Sept 22 in Seattle we’ll be hanging out with tax lawyers; W Oct 5 in Seattle with Seattle 4 Rotary; and Th Oct 20 in Pullman and Spokane, details TBD. Email us if you have other ideas to fill up the calendar and get the word out!
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.
Political Endorsements
Jim McDermott (D) – Washington’s 7th Congressional District U.S. Representative
“Climate change is the biggest market failure of our time. If the United States is to continue to lead and innovate, we must move away from fossil fuels and focus on developing clean, inexpensive, renewable energy sources. A price on carbon is the best policy to promote this change. I proposed legislation similar to I-732 at the federal level, and I’m excited to endorse this state initiative and help Washington launch this nation-leading climate policy. Vote Yes on I-732!” (Watch McDermott’s short video.)
Slade Gorton (R) – Former U.S. Senator and former Washington Attorney General
“We have a responsibility to our children and their children to tackle climate change now as every year we wait, the costs to mitigate impact of climate change go up, and the costs to solve the problem begin to go out of reach. Passing I-732 is an opportunity for the voters of our state to show the other Washington the way to a bipartisan solution for climate change.”
George Shultz (R) – Former U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury
“The revenue neutral carbon tax uses the market place to sort out winners and losers and by being revenue neutral sees to it that the revenue generated by the tax goes back to the people. Congratulations on your effort, Carbon Washington. You have my support.”
Rob McKenna (R) – former Washington Attorney General
“Conservatives who want to reduce carbon emissions know that a revenue-neutral approach that raises the cost of carbon use but lowers other taxes is the only sensible way to go.”
Brady Piñero Walkinshaw (D) – Candidate for Washington’s 7th Congressional District
“Our need for climate action is urgent. I-732 is our immediate opportunity to take a step forward and price carbon today.”
Mark Miloscia (R) – 30th LD State Senator, Candidate for State Auditor, Accountability & Reform Chair
“We need effective, efficient, and ethical environmental policies to address our climate change problems. I am supporting I-732 because science and experience show that it uses the most effective and efficient mechanisms for reducing pollution. As an accountability professional, I appreciate the utilization of proven market-mechanisms rather than using unproven regulations and government programs that waste money. I also support I-732 because it creates a more ethical and balanced tax code rather than just increasing taxes. As State Auditor, I plan to use audits to ensure that I-732 and all other environmental programs remain effective and efficient. It is time to take the politics out of the climate change debate—only a robust audit accountability program can help lead the rest of the nation toward a common-sense solution. Vote Yes on I-732!”
Joe Fitzgibbon (D) – 34th LD State Representative, House Environment Chair
“Please join me in voting Yes on I-732. We have a moral obligation to current and future generations to fight climate change. I-732 takes a critical first step in that fight and also has helped spark a long-overdue conversation about reforming our broken tax structure. I will work with my fellow legislators to take more aggressive steps to move away from fossil fuels in the years ahead, but pricing carbon pollution is an essential first step and can’t wait any longer.”
Steve Litzow (R) – 41st LD State Senator, Early Learning & K-12 Education Chair
“For our children and future generations we need to start the long transition away from fossil fuels and the pollution they create. Pollution damages our air quality, waterways, health, and climate. I-732 creates a market-driven, non-regulatory incentive to reduce pollution without increasing our total tax burden or the size of government. Please join me in supporting this fiscally responsible pollution reduction policy and Vote Yes on 732.”
Gerry Pollet (D) – 46th LD State Representative, Higher Education Committee Vice Chair
“I-732 is not only our best option for our state to take action on climate change, it is our only significant option for the public to ensure we take a major step forward in meeting carbon reduction goals in Washington State. I have reviewed the assumptions behind claims that the initiative will significantly reduce state revenues, and found them to be contrary to the language of the initiative and principles of statutory interpretation.”
Sharon Wylie (D) – 49th LD State Representative, Commerce and Gaming Chair, Tech. & Econ. Dev.
“Like many in Washington I have political concerns about how we will raise the new revenue our State needs; but that is a separate battle. We can’t let the politics of money prevent us from acting on climate. This November an opportunity for long over-due action sits before us in I-732. An opportunity to reduce carbon pollution, while making the most progressive change to our tax code in 40 years. We should take that opportunity! – Vote Yes On I-732.”
Joe Fain (R) – 47th LD State Senator, Senate Majority Floor Leader
“Washington will eventually take action to lower our state’s carbon footprint. The question before us is whether that decision should be about sound environmental policy or merely a back door to increasing taxes and growing government. Initiative 732 uses the revenues gained through lowering our state’s greenhouse gas emissions to provide sales tax relief to working families and business tax relief for middle-class employers. While no policy is perfect, I-732 is the best framework for environmental protection that won’t break the bank.”
Cindy Ryu (D) – 32nd LD State Representative, Community Dev Chair, Housing & Tribal Affairs
“I support I-732 as an important first step towards putting a price on carbon, reducing pollution, and protecting our children and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.”
Judy Clibborn (D) – 41st LD State Representative, House Transportation Chair
“I am endorsing I-732 because it is a pragmatic and progressive approach to address climate change in Washington. It has been a proven success in British Columbia, our neighbor to the north, which has an economy and ecology similar to ours. From my long experience in the Legislature, I know that all of the questions about the revenue neutrality of I-732 raised during the session can be addressed by the Legislature after the initiative is passed. Climate change is one of the greatest moral challenges facing our generation. We can’t wait any longer for action. Vote Yes on I-732.”
Bill Finkbeiner (R) – Former 45th District State Senator, Senate Majority Leader
“I-732 is a fantastic climate policy that all Washingtonians should support this November. As the Republican senate majority leader I strived to develop a philosophical majority to overcome the partisan gridlock and solve big problems. I-732 accomplishes this same goal by using the marketplace, rather than regulations, to reduce pollution and create new jobs and economic growth in our State.”
Ron Sims (D) – Former King County Executive
“I strongly support the Carbon Washington revenue-neutral carbon tax ballot measure. It is a bipartisan approach that will reduce carbon emissions, make our state tax code less regressive, and protect manufacturing jobs. We are running out of time to address the growing threat of global climate disruption. Let’s all work together to pass Initiative 732.”
Jessyn Farrell (D) – 46th LD State Representative, House Transportation Vice Chair
“I support the concept and urgency behind I-732. We must act on climate to protect future generations in a way that safeguards funding for vital services, ensures a just transition for workers and benefits communities of color that are impacted by climate change. I-732 is a good first step towards that goal.”
John McCoy (D) – 38th LD State Senator, Energy & Environment, Trade & Economic Development
“I endorse Initiative 732. We are facing a climate crisis that threatens our salmon, our birds, and our way of life. I-732 is a crucial first step to control climate change while it protects working families and manufacturers and economic development. We owe it to the generations that follow us. Vote yes in November and visit yeson732.org.”
Maralyn Chase (D) – 32nd LD State Senator, Natural Resources & Parks, Trade & Economic Development
“Carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has reached dangerously high levels, already causing global climate disruption. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to reduce carbon pollution to leave them a cleaner, healthier planet. I have long felt that a carbon tax is the most efficient mechanism to reduce carbon emissions. Initiative 732 is an elegant and effective solution that will reduce pollution and make our tax code more progressive. I am a strong supporter of Initiative 732 and disappointed that many environmental organizations are not out pounding the pavement to help pass I-732 as they should be. We can’t wait any longer to act on climate. I urge a Yes vote on Initiative 732.”
Jim Moeller (D) – 49th LD State Representative, Transportation, Labor & Workplace Standards, Rules
“Passing I-732 would let Washington state set the national example of putting a price on carbon emissions. Do you want to lower the sales tax by 1%, and make large-scale polluters pay their fair share instead? Do you want to incentivize green energy, while providing a just transition to lower-income families? Are you tired of government gridlock and inaction on this issue? Let’s act on climate now, with the plan that will jump-start our future with clean energy. Let’s make history. Vote YES on I-732.”
Sherry Appleton (D) – 23rd LD State Representative & Chair of Local Government Committee
“I-732 is a worthy policy to put Washington on the road to lessening the effects of pollution, encouraging clean energy while low-income families would benefit from lower taxes!”
Bruce Bassett (D) – Mercer Island Mayor
“Climate action faces both policy and political challenges. This year we have seen many political groups attempt to discourage support for a great climate policy. I am thankful that the experts at the Sightline Institute have provided such an in-depth analysis of I-732 as it is one of the most important policies of our time. Please help me spread the word – Vote Yes on 732!”
Alec Fisken (D) – Former Port of Seattle Commissioner, Candidate for WA State Treasurer
“Sorting through the contenders for political office in a confusing year like 2016 takes a lot of time. One handy shortcut is the I-732 endorsement list – that’s where you’ll find the serious, thoughtful candidates who take environmental issues seriously.”
Mike Doherty (D) – Former Clallam County Commissioner
“With the negative impacts of climate change becoming more obvious each month, I-732 is a solid step toward making the polluters pay a fair carbon tax. While there is a lot of talk about alternatives, I-732 is the only major step forward to action.”
Sharon Nelson (D) – Former Chairman of the Washington Utility Commission and Consumer Reports
“In Washington, we can agree on two things: 1) climate change is bad; and 2) the state’s tax structure is bad as the sales tax burden falls disproportionately on the poor. As a former regulator, I endorse I-732 because it is a simple and effective policy to address climate change similar to what has been working well in British Columbia since 2008. Unlike more complicated cap and trade regulatory schemes, the policy of I-732 is not susceptible to game playing and loophole making by special interests. It will stand the test of time and benefit all residents of Washington, especially lower income people.”
Lisa Wellman (D) – Candidate for 41st LD State Senator
“I-732 is our signal to the rest of the country that we take climate change seriously and Washington is taking action. The initiative is a step in the right direction and is a base upon which we can build a stronger even more comprehensive response to the climate challenge.”
Dan Shih (D) – Candidate for 43rd LD State Representative
“I support I-732 for two big reasons. First, a carbon tax is an amazingly simple and effective way to reduce carbon pollution. The science tells us we need to act now, and I-732 is so straightforward that it can take effect and begin delivering results immediately. Second, by reducing the sales tax and funding the Working Family Tax Rebate, I-732 provides tax relief to all and very significant benefits for nearly half a million low-income households. It’s a progressive two-fer!”
Guy Palumbo (D) – Candidate for the 1st Legislative District Senator
“The fact is climate change is real and we have a moral obligation to take action. A revenue neutral carbon tax like I-732 is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint without picking winners and losers in our economy. I-732 also has the added benefit of making substantial changes to our regressive tax system. By lowering the sales tax, and funding the Working Families Rebate for the first time since it was created, I-732 adds fairness to our tax code while at the same time putting a price on carbon. Washington residents have a unique opportunity to be national leaders in the fight against global warming by voting for I-732.”
Richard Ottinger, Former U.S. Representative (D-NY)
“Climate change and energy issues have been the focus of my career. I strongly urge Washington voters to support Initiative 732. It will reduce the carbon pollution that is disrupting our climate, and the offsetting tax reductions make good sense. The opposition seems to me to be a case of the unattainable perfection undermining the obtainable good – in this case the excellent. We are already way behind in the fight against climate change and we need to act now. Passing this pioneering measure may well set a pattern for other states and Congress to follow.”
Jeff Morris (D) – 40th LD State Representative, Technology & Economic Development Chair
Christine Rolfes (D) – 23rd LD State Senator – Ways & Means, Early Learning & K-12 Education, Rules
Joan McBride (D) – 48th LD State Representative – Environment, Transportation, Local Gov., Rules
Tana Senn (D) – 41st LD State Representative, Early Learning & Human Services Vice Chair
Seth Armstrong (D) – Former 36th LD State Representative
Deb Eddy (D) – Former 48th LD State Representative & Mayor of Kirkland
Mike McGinn (D) – Former Seattle Mayor
Jeff Sanderson – Mercer Island City Council Member
Dennis Higgins – Kent City Council Member
Nick Licata (D) – Former Seattle Council Member
Peter Steinbrueck – Former Seattle Council Member
Jennifer Goulet (D) – Candidate for 9th LD State Representative
Democratic Party Organizations: 5th Legislative District Democrats, 10th Legislative District Democrats, 20th LD Democrats, 26th Legislative District Democrats, 32nd Legislative District Democrats, 40th Legislative District Democrats, 41st Legislative District Democrats, Clallam County Democrats, Kitsap County Democrats, Metropolitan Democratic Club of Seattle, Snohomish County Democrats, Skagit County Democrats, Spokane County Democrats, Whatcom County Democrats, Young Democrats of Clark County,
Organizational Endorsement Highlights
Sustainable Path Foundation Board of Directors
Citizens’ Climate Lobby – National + Chapters
Seattle Electric Vehicle Association
Interfaith Works Board of Directors
Climate Action Ministry
RE-Sources for Sustainable Communities
Washington UU Voices
Individual Endorsement Highlights
- Howard Behar, former President of Starbucks North America
- Dr. James Hansen, former Director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s Earth Institute (where he directs a program in Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions)
- Cliff Mass, Meteorologist
- Edward W. Sheets, President Ed Sheets Consulting, former Executive Director Northwest Power and Conservation Council, and former Director of the Washington State Energy Office
- A-P Hurd, President, Touchstone
- Jigar Shah, Co-Founder and President of Generate Capital, Inc., Founder and former CEO of SunEdison
- Jesse Berst, Chairman, Smart Cities Council
- Aaron Fairchild, CEO, Green Canopy Homes
- Richard Gammon, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry University of Washington, Professor of Oceanography, Adjunct Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Ph.D. Harvard University, 1970
- Lars Johansson, CleanTech Angel Investor
- Rogers Weed, VP of 1Energy Systems and former Director (2009-2012) of the Washington State Department of Commerce
- James W Murray (Professor), Founding Director UW Program on Climate Change, University of Washington
- Alan Hardcastle, Sr. Research Manager, Social and Economic Sciences Research Center, Washington State University
- Charles Komanoff, Executive Director, Carbon Tax Center
- Dave Kozin, CFO, A&R Solar
- Srirup Kumar, President & Co-founder, Community Supported Biocycling
- Howard Lamb, Founder, Sunergy Systems
- Bob Lynette, Renewable energy consultant, climate change lecturer and teacher, past Washington Environmental Council Board member
- Krist Novoselic, Musician | Community Activist
- Bill Lemon, investment banker, adjunct professor of finance at Pinchot University, and renewable energy investor
- Mike Marsolek, professor in Environmental Engineering at Seattle University
- Pete Agtuca, President and Founder of Pacific Air Cargo Transfer Systems, Laser Cutting Northwest, and Three Phase Energy Systems
- Brian Allen, General Manager,Crowd Energy Ocean Turbines
- Jan Allen, P.E. CMQ/OE, President, Impact BioEnergy
- Julie Blazek, AIA, LEED AP, Partner, HKP Architects
- Patrick Callahan, CEO, Urban Renaissance Group LLC
- Eric Hull, Co-Founder & General Manager, Banner Power Solutions
- Harvey Jones, owner, Cooper Jones
- Aaron Koopman, CEO, VMG Solutions
- Evan Leonard, Vice President, Artisan Electric
- Michael J. Smith Jr., Attorney, Business Development Advisor, Impact Bioenergy
- Deborah Todd, CSBA, LEEDap, Owner, Building Design Services
- Dan Zasloff, Director of Product Marketing, EnergySavvy
- Albert Rooks, CEO, Small Planet Supply
- Jeffrey Morris, Ph.D. – Economics, Sound Resource Management Group, Inc.
For a complete list of our individual and organizational endorsements please visit our website www.yeson732.org/endorsements
Jim McDermott (D) – Washington’s 7th Congressional District U.S. Representative
“Climate change is the biggest market failure of our time. If the United States is to continue to lead and innovate, we must move away from fossil fuels and focus on developing clean, inexpensive, renewable energy sources. A price on carbon is the best policy to promote this change. I proposed legislation similar to I-732 at the federal level, and I’m excited to endorse this state initiative and help Washington launch this nation-leading climate policy. Vote Yes on I-732!” (Watch McDermott’s short video.)
George Shultz (R) – Former U.S. Secretary of State & Secretary of the Treasury
“The revenue neutral carbon tax uses the market place to sort out winners and losers and by being revenue neutral sees to it that the revenue generated by the tax goes back to the people. Congratulations on your effort Carbon Washington. You have my support.”
Ron Sims (D) – Former King County Executive
“I strongly support the Carbon Washington revenue-neutral carbon tax ballot measure. It is a bipartisan approach that will reduce carbon emissions, make our state tax code less regressive, and protect manufacturing jobs. We are running out of time to address the growing threat of global climate disruption. Let’s all work together to pass Initiative 732.”
Sherry Appleton (D) – 23rd LD State Representative & Chair of Local Government Committee
“I-732 is a worthy policy to put Washington on a the road to lessening the effects of pollution and encouraging clean energy, while low-income families would benefit from lower taxes!”
Bruce Bassett (D) – Mercer Island Mayor
“Climate action faces both policy and political challenges. This year we have seen many political groups attempt to discourage support for a great climate policy. I am thankful that the experts at the Sightline Institute have provided such an in-depth analysis of I-732 as it is one of the most important policies of our time. Please help me spread the word – Vote Yes on 732!”
Judy Clibborn (D) – 41st LD State Representative & Chair of Transportation Committee
“I am endorsing I-732 because it is a pragmatic and progressive approach to address climate change in Washington. It has been a proven success in British Columbia, our neighbor to the north, which has an economy and ecology similar to ours. From my long experience in the Legislature, I know that all of the questions about the revenue neutrality of I-732 raised during the session can be addressed by the Legislature after the initiative is passed. Climate change is one of the greatest moral challenges facing our generation. We can’t wait any longer for action. Vote Yes on I-732”
Mike Doherty (D) – Former Clallam County Commissioner
“With the negative impacts of climate change becoming more obvious each month, I-732 is a solid step toward making the polluters pay a fair carbon tax. While there is a lot of talk about alternatives, I-732 is the only major step forward to action.”
Jessyn Farrell (D) – 46th LD State Representative & Vice Chair of Transportation Committee
“I support the concept and urgency behind I-732. We must act on climate to protect future generations in a way that safeguards funding for vital services, ensures a just transition for workers and benefits communities of color that are impacted by climate change. I-732 is a good first step towards that goal.”
Bill Finkbeiner (R) – Former 45th District State Senator & Senate Majority Leader
“I-732 is a fantastic climate policy that all Washingtonians should support this November. As the Republican senate majority leader I strived to develop a philosophical majority to overcome the partisan gridlock and solve big problems. I-732 accomplishes this same goal by using the marketplace, rather than regulations, to reduce pollution and create new jobs and economic growth in our State.”
Alec Fisken (D) – Former Port of Seattle Commissioner & Candidate for WA State Treasure
“Sorting through the contenders for political office in a confusing year like 2016 takes a lot of time. One handy shortcut is the I-732 endorsement list – that’s where you’ll find the serious, thoughtful candidates who take environmental issues seriously.”
Joe Fitzgibbon (D) – 34th LD State Representative & Chair of House Environment Committee
“Please join me in voting Yes on I-732. We have a moral obligation to current and future generations to fight climate change. I-732 takes a critical first step in that fight and also has helped spark a long-overdue conversation about reforming our broken tax structure. I will work with my fellow legislators to take more aggressive steps to move away from fossil fuels in the years ahead, but pricing carbon pollution is an essential first step and can’t wait any longer.”
Steve Litzow (R) – 41st LD State Senator & Chair of Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee
“For our children and future generations we need to start the long transition away from fossil fuels and the pollution they create. Pollution damages our air quality, waterways, health, and climate. I-732 creates a market-driven, non-regulatory incentive to reduce pollution without increasing our total tax burden or the size of government. Please join me in supporting this fiscally responsible pollution reduction policy and Vote Yes on 732.”
Jim Moeller (D) – 49th LD State Representative – Transportation, Labor & Workplace Standards, Rules+
“Passing I-732 would let Washington state set the national example of putting a price on carbon emissions. Do you want to lower the sales tax by 1%, and make large-scale polluters pay their fair share instead? Do you want to incentivize green energy, while providing a just transition to lower-income families? Are you tired of government gridlock and inaction on this issue? Let’s act on climate now, with the plan that will jump-start our future with clean energy. Let’s make history. Vote YES on I-732.”
Sharon Nelson (D) – Former Chairman of the Washington Utility Commission and Consumer Reports
“In Washington, we can agree on two things: 1) climate change is bad; and 2) the state’s tax structure is bad as the sales tax burden falls disproportionately on the poor. As a former regulator, I endorse I-732 because it is a simple and effective policy to address climate change similar to what has been working well in British Columbia since 2008. Unlike more complicated cap and trade regulatory schemes, the policy of I-732 is not susceptible to game playing and loophole making by special interests. It will stand the test of time and benefit all residents of Washington, especially lower income people.
Gerry Pollet (D) – 46th LD State Representative & Vice Chair of Higher Education Committee
“I-732 is not only our best option for our state to take action on climate change, it is our only significant option for the public to ensure we take a major step forward in meeting carbon reduction goals in Washington State. I have reviewed the assumptions behind claims that the initiative will significantly reduce state revenues, and found them to be contrary to the language of the initiative and principles of statutory interpretation.”
Cindy Ryu (D) – 32nd LD State Representative & Chair of Community Dev., Housing & Tribal Affairs
“I support I-732 as an important first step towards putting a price on carbon, reducing pollution, and protecting our children and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.”
Sharon Wylie (D) – 49th LD State Representative & Chair of Commerce and Gaming, Tech. & Econ. Dev.
“Like many in Washington I have political concerns about how we will raise the new revenue our State needs; but that is a separate battle. We can’t let the politics of money prevent us from acting on climate. This November an opportunity for long over-due action sits before us in I-732. An opportunity to reduce carbon pollution, while making the most progressive change to our tax code in 40 years. We should take that opportunity! – Vote Yes On I-732.”
Lisa Wellman (D) – Candidate for 41st LD State Senator
“I-732 is our signal to the rest of the country that we take climate change seriously and Washington is taking action. The initiative is a step in the right direction and is a base upon which we can build a stronger even more comprehensive response to the climate challenge.”
Mike McGinn (D) – Former Seattle Mayor
Christine Rolfes (D) – 23rd LD State Senator – Ways & Means, Early Learning & K-12 Education, Rules
Jeff Morris (D) – 40th LD State Representative & Chair of Technology & Economic Development
Joan McBride (D) – 48th LD State Representative – Environment, Transportation, Local Gov., Rules
Tana Senn (D) – 41st LD State Representative & Vice Chair of Early Learning & Human Services
Seth Armstrong (D) – Former 36th LD State Representative
Deb Eddy (D) – Former 48th LD State Representative & Mayor of Kirkland
Jeff Sanderson – Mercer Island City Council Member
Dennis Higgins – Kent City Council Member
Nick Licata (D) – Former Seattle Council Member
Peter Steinbrueck – Former Seattle Council Member
Arun Jhaveri (D) – Candidate for 7th Congressional District
Jennifer Goulet (D) – Candidate for 9th LD State Representative
Democratic Party Organizations: 20th LD Democrats, 5th Legislative District Democrats, 10th Legislative District Democrats, 26th Legislative District Democrats, 32nd Legislative District Democrats, 40th Legislative District Democrats, 41st Legislative District Democrats, Clallam County Democrats, Kitsap County Democrats, Metropolitan Democratic Club of Seattle, Snohomish County Democrats, Skagit County Democrats, Spokane County Democrats, Whatcom County Democrats, Young Democrats of Clark County,
Sightline Weighs In
- “We find I-732 a worthy policy to put Washington on a path to cutting pollution and encouraging clean energy while also helping low-income families by making Washington State taxes less regressive.”
- “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.”
- “I-732 is revenue-neutral, to the best of anyone’s ability to forecast it… [The argument to the contrary] is a red herring… I-732 is likely to be much closer to revenue-neutral than the [Department of Revenue’s] forecast suggests… Even if the Department’s estimates are correct, I-732 will still be a rounding error… I-732 will likely have less than a 1 percent impact on state tax revenue for decades.”
- “Initiative 732 does exactly what the scientists and economists prescribe: it sets a science-based, steadily rising price on pollution. The citizens’ initiative covers most of the state’s climate pollution, makes the tax code more progressive, and is administratively elegant.”
- “I-732 would be the biggest improvement in the progressivity of Washington’s state tax system in 40 years.”
You’ve heard this stuff from us for months, but these quotes are from an independent in-depth 3-part analysis of I-732 from Sightline Institute. Go read the analysis yourself (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). And then here are four things you can do right now to get the word out and support the campaign!
- Share these quotes and articles with everyone you know via email, Facebook, Twitter, in-person, etc.
- Share them with lots of people you don’t know by writing a Letter to the Editor of your local paper.
- Get re-energized to spend the next 95 days participating in our history-making grassroots campaign by emailing me or [email protected] to get plugged in with our campaign by making phone calls and coming to an event and knocking on doors.
- And of course we need your donations so that we can keep rolling until November 8. (Twenty bucks will get you a yard sign! And if your employer provides matching funds to 501(c)(3) nonprofits then you can double your impact by donating to our partners at Better World Credits; email [email protected] for details.)
New Endorsements
- Representative Sharon Wylie, D-49th district (central Vancouver)
- 18th Legislative District Democrats (parts of Clark County)
- Phil Rockefeller, former WA state senator (D-Bainbridge) and former member of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council: “I-732 is not only a logical step, but it’s the only option we have at this time to move the ball forward and make statewide progress in combating the disruptive effects of climate change.”
- Take a look at all our supporters and endorsements here.
Support Our Partners & Job Opportunities
In The News
Great Letters to the Editor from Scott Rhodes in the Skagit Valley Herald and from Laurel Wolf in the Oregonian… congrats and thank you! Elsewhere: It’s got too much climate skepticism and too much of a focus on political in-fighting, but still: this is probably the best carbon tax story that’s ever run on Fox News. (See also “Conservatives must embrace the fight against climate change” by Vernon Lindo of RepublicEn.org. And, on the other side of the political spectrum, organizations with #BlackLivesMatter released a platform that, under the heading of Economic Justice, includes a call to “shift from sales taxes to taxing externalities” and also a call to “expand the earned income tax credit”.) In wonkier news, I co-authored a Brookings Institution paper on state-level carbon taxes. And go read Republican Congressman Richard Hanna’s op-ed endorsement of Hillary Clinton: “Our country is desperate for a functioning two-party system. A system that understands that compromise is the sweet spot of peace in a pluralistic society that values tolerance and inclusiveness. Not these endless attempts to run the table in two- and four-year cycles that produce few results and parties that seem to regard gridlock as an accomplishment… Government has become unable to address big problems. Talking points are presented as if they were solutions. Critical issues like tax reform, infrastructure, immigration, the environment and any future investments in people and assets are relegated to the opinions of the extremes of both parties. Electing Donald Trump will only make this worse, much worse.”
Passing I-732 will be one step to make this better. So go read the Sightline analysis again (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) and then write a Letter to the Editor and join the campaign!
Game of Phones and Social Media Ambassadors
Social media ambassadors: Looking for another way to help? We need our supporters to do more than occasionally like our posts on Facebook, we need you to become a social media ambassador. Data shows that voters today receive a majority of their news from social media and are more likely to believe what they hear from their friends than from the media. If you have not already done so, Please like our Facebook page YesOnI732 and follow our @CarbonWA twitter feed. If you are willing to invest a few minutes each week helping with our social media campaign by becoming an ambassador please email [email protected]. When we make posts about important news, events, videos or competitions we need you to like, retweet, and share our posts with a message from you encouraging your friends to share it on their walls as well!
Nights Watch: (2,500 call club!) Aaron Tam, Allie Bull, Quillan Robinson
Let’s win!
Yoram and the Yes on 732 team
Yoram Bauman, co-chair of the Yes on 732 campaign, recently had a lively exchange with Jeff Johnson, president of the Washington State Labor Council, at a debate sponsored by Bellingham City Club. Both presented their views on Initiative 732 — Bauman supporting its effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions and increasing tax fairness, and Johnson explaining why he opposes it. Watch the debate.
Seattle-based Fox News Channel reporter Dan Springer recently covered the opposition I-732 has attracted from several environmental groups. Watch his report.
Springer mentions that I-732 was recently endorsed by Audubon Washington. “We are thrilled to have Audubon Washington, an organization with a steadfast commitment to conservation and environmental protection, supporting the Yes on I-732 campaign,” said Joe Ryan, campaign co-chair. “Audubon has been at the forefront of research and awareness related to the devastation global warming will have on birds and other wildlife. The clear human impact of increased drought, wildfires, sea level rise, and other damaging impacts of climate change underscores the moral urgency to take climate action now. We are eager to work together to pass I-732.”
Sightline Institute, a sustainability think tank, has addressed the criticisms by I-732’s opponents. Their conclusion: “. . . for us at Sightline, and judged exclusively on the basis of policy, not politics or political strategy, the policy’s flaws are cause for concern but are dwarfed by I-732’s potential benefits.”
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.
Latest Tweets
Our region’s success came bc we struck a balance btw protecting our environment & encouraging economic development. https://t.co/9S1kZifCAW
I-732 aims to make our tax system fairer & more sustainable. Most households & businesses will end up paying about the same in state taxes.
Denying climate change is a privilege of those whose well-being isn't impacted by it everyday. #ActOnClimate. https://t.co/7HBPTS82CE
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