In the 1960s tobacco product manufacturers were still denying their products caused cancer. The link between smoking and cancer was known in the early 1950s. There is no question that smoking cigarettes can damage our health and even be lethal. This is not only for the smoker but also those who inhale the resulting second-hand smoke.
We face a similar dilemma with the threats of air and water pollution. We know that it is getting worse and has caused harm. Those industries and utilities that pollute have for years profited by avoiding the issue. We who “inhale” are bearing the personal health risks and are paying the taxes for the societal costs of pollution.
Initiative 1631 is a practical first step toward clean air and clean water in Washington: an investment now and for our future. Is it not only fair that those responsible for causing harm to our environment bear some of the costs to deal with pollution and promote the switch to clean energy? For a breath of fresh air, please vote “Yes” on Initiative 1631.
Carl Knappe
Snohomish
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