Let’s do our part
When I attended Lewis and Clark High School I took pride in my community’s efforts to protect the environment.
However, a decade later we have yet to pass legislation that will address the catastrophic effects of human-caused climate change, including a future of more super wildfires that keep us inside much of the summer.
Meanwhile, our neighbors in British Columbia successfully implemented a $30/ton carbon tax and dividend, reducing emissions up to 15 percent in four years. Their GDP grew, and Prime Minister Trudeau has recently announced his plan to expand the program nationwide.
With 1-1631, it’s time we follow suit. Capping at $35/ton, we can expect similar market-based reductions as well as GHG reductions from investments in clean air, and energy. I-1631 also puts money toward impacted communities including workers in threatened fossil fuel industries.
I urge voters to courageously stand up in the face of tens of millions of dollars spent by oil companies and vote for 1-1631. Washington can’t do it alone, but alongside California and Oregon — 20 percent of our nation’s economy — we can signal to our nation and the global community that we are serious about doing our share for a livable world.
Alexandra Golikov
Spokane