Don’t leave clean air to chance; vote for I-1631

Published 1:30 am Monday, October 29, 2018

Since my partner and I met in England, I have boasted about our tall mountains, verdant forests, crisp sea breezes, and abundant islands that make Washington state so beautiful. I knew that the Pacific Northwest would be the perfect place to bring our families together in celebration of our partnership.

Unfortunately, instead of clear summer skies my new British family were met with smoke that lingered through their stay. I assured them the views were normally stunning as we peered into a thick haze from Jetty Island. I brought my partner to an AquaSox game (the quintessential American experience) and it was dully lit by an ominous red sun. I took him for a run on the interurban trail to see Everett from a local’s perspective and we returned coughing furiously. Luckily, the weather was perfect for the big day on Camano Island, but clean air should not be up to chance.

Initiative 1631 is our state’s best chance to reduce pollution and mitigate the effects that pollution has on our environment, natural resources, and health. The problem of carbon pollution is not unique to Washington but we are in a unique position to do something about it. Indeed, I-1631 is our best hope for taking the necessary and urgent step of transitioning to clean energy.

It will not be easy, but it is imperative that we protect Washington state and set an example to the rest of the country that people-centered action on pollution is possible. Voting yes on I-1631 means cleaner air and a better future for us all.

Olivia Engle

Everett