Amid expectations that the incoming Trump administration will roll back federal environmental protection policies, voters in the western United States recognized efforts to combat climate change and won big wins on state and local ballot measures.
California
Voters in the Golden State voted in favor of a $10 billion climate resilience bond, which comes after deep cuts to environmental initiatives were made in the state's 2024-25 budget.
California, a national leader on climate issues, has set ambitious emissions reduction goals while confronting climate impacts such as extreme weather events, droughts and wildfires.
But the state faces a $46.8 billion shortfall, which lawmakers are addressing by cutting funding in various areas.
ballot initiative,Proposal 4authorizes bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and lands from climate threats. Officials expect the bond will increase costs to the state by about $400 million a year over the 40-year repayment period.
The bond would earmark at least 40% of the $10 billion for disadvantaged communities.
“Californians are leading the charge on climate action to protect ourselves and build a more resilient future while preserving what makes our state special.” said Liz Forsberg Pardi, the conservation group's California policy director.statement.
colorado
Coloradans gave the following approvalProposition JJwhich loosens restrictions on the amount of sports betting tax revenue that states can use for water projects.
Such revenue in the Centennial State would generally be used for watershed health projects, water storage needs, conservation and land use, drought planning, water efficiency improvements and water education, according to the proposal.
Prior to the vote, the state was required to refund more than $29 million in annual tax revenue to casinos and sports betting operators.
Money began flowing into water projects from sports betting after voters approved it.Proposal DDIn 2019, it approved a 10% tax on net sports betting revenue at casinos.
Colorado Water Trust says it typically does not take positions on political issues.approvedHe proposes JJ as “a victory for the rivers, a victory for the farmers, and a victory for the cities – a victory for the Colorado.”
washington
Washington state voters took decisive action against a ballot measure that would repeal the state's cornerstoneAct on climate change initiatives.
Washington residents refused.initiative 2117which aims to remove most of the provisions of the bill, was approved by the state Legislature in 2021.
If passed, the bill would allow state agencies to impose all types of carbon tax credits, including so-called “cap-and-trade” programs and programs that require polluters to purchase greenhouse gas allowances or offsets. would have been prohibited.
The ballot initiative would also reduce funding for investments in renewable energy, transportation, clean air, environmental conservation, and emissions reduction efforts.
Hawaii
At the local level, residents of Hawaii's capital approved the law changes.Honolulu City CharterThis included establishing a climate recovery fund.
The fund would collect 0.5 percent of the city's property tax revenue and deposit the money into a pool dedicated to climate action, according to the Honolulu Elections Department.
According to the charter, these resources will “support initiatives and projects aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, strengthening the resilience of urban infrastructure and communities, and promoting sustainable practices.” Become.
