Seattle, WA—This November, voters in Washington State decisively defeated Initiative 2117, a proposed measure to repeal the 2021 Washington Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
The initiative’s defeat underscores the state’s commitment to combating wildfires, pollution, and climate change, as recent research suggests that hotter and more intense fires will likely reach the Pacific Northwest’s cooler and wetter forests.
David Mendoza, The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Director of Policy and Government Relations, expressed support for the Climate Commitment Act, calling it a “nationally significant piece of legislation.” He emphasized its focus on investing in climate resilience, particularly for frontline communities facing pollution, including communities of color and Tribal Nations.
The CCA is projected to generate approximately $9.1 billion in economic activity and create 45,000 new jobs over the next eight years. These benefits will stem from strategic investments in vital programs targeting areas such as air pollution, wildfire prevention, and fish habitat restoration.
In contrast, Initiative 2117 would have diverted critical investments from community priorities across the state. Amanda Monthei, a former wildland firefighter, articulated the risks associated with a “yes” vote on the initiative.
“It would damage our efforts to protect against wildfires,” she stated, highlighting the potential loss of funding for several crucial statewide programs to reduce severe wildfire risks.
Should the initiative have passed, it would have eliminated $2 million allocated to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which focuses on reducing wildfire severity by managing overgrown forests and controlled burns. Additionally, $10 million in funding for the Department of Natural Resources aimed at restoring forestlands crucial for wildfire prevention and air quality would have been at risk.
Initiative 2117 also sought to cut $10 million in grants through the Firewise USA program, which empowers local communities and homeowners to implement wildfire resilience measures. Furthermore, it would have put an end to over $2 million in funding designated for training and workforce development aimed at managing wildland fires effectively.
Jay Wilkins, an active firefighter and member of the Washington State Council of Firefighters, voiced his concerns about the potential impact of repealing the CCA.
He pointed out that the funding from the Climate Commitment Act has been instrumental in preventing wildfires and supporting home hardening efforts. “That gives us a fighting chance to save homes and limit fire spread,” Wilkins said, stressing the connection between effective fire management and reduced air pollution, which enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
Monthei emphasized the urgent need for funding dedicated to wildfire resilience as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. “We need all hands on deck. We need all the resources we can get,” she urged. The Climate Commitment Act, she asserted, represents a sustainable and effective funding source for building healthier and more resilient forests in Washington.
