Let’s be honest about why Initiative 1631 failed. Out-of-state fossil fuel companies, such as BP and Chevron, spent more than $30 million, the most money ever spent in our state’s election history. They plastered our TV screens with ads sowing confusion and doubt, a classic fear-and-smear campaign. The people of color and the low-income, tribal, faith, health, union, business, and environmental communities that crafted this initiative put their heart and soul into the campaign but couldn’t match $30 million. But now, instead of throwing our hands up and admitting defeat in the face of rampant climate change, it’s time to move on to the next one: 100 percent renewable electricity.
Washington state already has one of the cleanest electricity grids in the nation. I don’t point this out to excuse inaction or to put ourselves on a shelf. Rather, I see it as an opportunity to join Hawaii and California in leading our nation to a new, clean, green economy by committing to 100 percent renewable electricity. Because of our abundant hydropower, we are already over 65 percent there; why not commit to 100 percent?
By committing to all-renewable electricity, Washington state would become a nationwide leader, ushering in a new era of clean energy. New, local jobs would be created installing solar panels or upgrading buildings to be more energy efficient. Air and water pollution would be reduced, making our communities safe for our children, rather than the wildfire-smoke-filled skies we choked on this summer. While 100 percent renewable electricity may seem like a lofty goal, the first step is simple.
Please join us at 7:00 p.m. Nov. 28 at Mukilteo City Hall for a community event about how Snohomish County can play a pivotal role on the road to Washington state becoming 100 percent renewable.
Jeanine SanClemente
Mothers Out Front Puget Sound
Snohomish
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