I-1631 is on the Ballot! What’s Next?

In case you have not heard, the Carbon Fee Initiative (I-1631) is officially on the ballot for November 2018!

The initiative received around 375,000 signatures, far exceeding the 260,000 signatures required.

Thank you to all the supporters who gave their signatures and helped spread the word. This wouldn’t have happened without you! Artisan Electric is proud that our efforts and support helped contribute to this success.

Background on I-1631

If the initiative passes, industrial emitters will be charged $15 per metric ton on carbon emissions starting in 2020. This will increase by $2 per year until Washington state meets its climate goals. If passed, Washington will be the first state in the country to adopt anything like a carbon tax.

According to Yes on 1631, 70% of the investments would go toward renewables like solar and wind, cleaner public transportation, fuels, and rural broadband, and efficiency upgrades to homes and businesses.

25% would ensure healthy, disease-resistant forests, prevent and clean up pollution in our lakes and rivers, and increase sustainable supply of drinking water and cleaner water for fish.

5% would go back into Washington’s most vulnerable communities that have and will be impacted by pollution.

Our generous solar incentives will run out in or before 2021. If successful, I-1631 will pick up where the incentives leave off, saving the Washington solar industry and a lot of jobs.

In fact, it’s estimated that I-1631 would add nearly 40,000 new jobs to Washington’s economy, while supporting fossil fuel workers affected by the transition to clean energy.

So Now What?

Although 1631 has already seen some success, our work isn’t over! From now until November, there are important ways you can get involved to help ensure this initiative becomes law:

Stay updated and continue educating yourself

1. Continue checking with Yes on 1631– they post frequent updates on new ways this initiative will benefit our communities.
2. Not surprisingly, there continues to be backlash from heavy emitters like the oil and utility industries. This may affect the news that is being delivered to you, so make sure to do your research.
3. Make sure you know all the details of the initiative. Here is the full text.

Discuss 1631 with your friends and family

1. Share on social media, lead discussions, and bring it up whenever and wherever you can! It’s important to increase awareness so we’re all informed on voting day.

Most importantly, vote!

1. Make sure you’re registered.
2. Official polling day is November 6. Access your Washington State Voter’s Guide.

You can still connect with Yes on 1631 as a volunteer, or show your support by donating.

Washington can be the leader of a cleaner America. Let’s all do our part to make sure the Carbon Fee Initiative passes.