Voters throughout our state are now deciding how to vote on Initiative 1631, which would apply a fee to large carbon polluters and direct those funds toward implementing renewable infrastructure, job creation and helping communities most impacted by climate change. In conjunction with this initiative, residents in Mukilteo and other cities throughout Snohomish County are lobbying their elected officials to commit to moving to 100 percent clean electricity by 2030.
The need to curb carbon emissions released into the earth’s atmosphere is more urgent than ever. On Oct. 8,, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report stating that our planet could reach the crucial threshold of 1.5 degrees celsius by 2030, which would precipitate catastrophic climate change.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, rising temperatures and sea levels already impact our city and county every day, resulting in increased wildfires, intense smoke, flooding and mudslides. Our decreasing snowpack impacts communities that depend on clean water, interferes with the survival of salmon, and reduces the production of hydroelectric power, which supplies 87 precent of Snohomish County’s electrical supply.
The Climate Reality Project and Environment Washington are working together to encourage elected officials to commit to clean electricity by 2030. A shift to clean, renewable electricity would lower solar installation costs for residents, create jobs in the renewable sector, and enhance the reputation of Mukilteo and Snohomish County as green, healthy places to live and raise families.
Together, Initiative 1631 and a shift to 100 precent clean electricity would ensure clean air, water, and electricity for Mukilteo and Snohomish County for generations to come.
Debbie King
Climate Reality
Mukilteo
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