washington
Newsletter
Credit: Doris Morgan/Unsplash
Effort begins to stop Washington's move away from natural gas
Backers of a new initiative have started gathering signatures to halt Washington's push to phase out natural gas use in buildings.
In short:
- Initiative 2066 aims to repeal parts of a state law promoting electrification over natural gas in new constructions.
- The measure prevents local governments from restricting the use of natural gas in heating and appliances.
- Supporters need over 324,000 signatures by July 5 to place the initiative on the November ballot.
Key quote:
“This initiative preserves the choice of natural gas for consumers.”
— Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington
Why this matters:
This initiative represents a significant pushback against state efforts to reduce carbon emissions through increased electrification. If passed, it could maintain higher natural gas usage, impacting both environmental goals and energy policies in Washington.
Derrick Z. Jackson argued in 2019 that by keeping Americans focused on the climate benefits of gas vs. coal, the gas industry seeks to delay a broader debate of the deficits of gas vs. renewables.
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Quinault Indian Nation plans relocation to combat flooding
The Quinault Indian Nation in Washington State is relocating Taholah village to higher ground to mitigate flood risks exacerbated by climate change.
In short:
- Taholah is currently vulnerable to frequent flooding from storm surges and rising sea levels, prompting the relocation initiative.
- The new village will be situated about a half-mile uphill, incorporating sustainable and resilient building practices.
- Financial challenges remain, with projected housing costs between $350,000 and $400,000, potentially unaffordable for many tribal members.
Key quote:
"It's almost like a geyser shooting through the rocks."
— Ryan Hendricks, tribal council member, Quinault Indian Nation
Why this matters:
As the planet warms, many locations once thought ideal for settlement are becoming untenable. The Quinault Indian Nation’s decision to relocate is a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of Indigenous communities, yet it also raises important questions about the responsibility of governmental and international bodies in supporting vulnerable populations in the face of climate change.
The trickle of climate-related migration is already upon us: The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre estimates that 1.68 million Americans were internally displaced by disasters in 2017.
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Washington enacts an ambitious carbon emissions strategy
Exploring Washington's new cap-and-trade program reveals complexity and contention.
In short:
- Washington's cap-and-trade policy is designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions over time, touted as the strongest in the U.S.
- Critiques arise around the efficacy of cap-and-trade and its impact on disadvantaged communities.
- Despite the goal of reducing emissions to 95% below 1990 levels by 2050, concerns linger about the actual environmental and economic outcomes.
Key quote:
"We still haven’t seen a good answer for how linkage would actually lead to reduced levels of greenhouse gas emissions."
— Nico Wedekind, public interest environmental attorney at Front and Centered
Why this matters:
The potential of Washington's cap-and-trade program lies in its dual promise: reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change while fostering economic growth through green innovation and jobs. Critics, however, raise concerns about the program's effectiveness and fairness.
How joining a climate program could save Western Pennsylvania kids’ lives and lungs.
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Washington's climate law faces repeal challenge despite oil industry's support
Washington state's cap-and-trade program, backed by major oil companies, is now threatened by a repeal initiative led by a hedge-fund manager.
In short:
- Washington's Climate Commitment Act, a cap-and-trade program, is under threat of repeal despite previous support from oil companies like BP.
- The program, which generated more than $2 billion for climate projects, faces opposition from Brian Heywood, who argues it contributes to high gas prices.
- Oil companies, while critical of certain aspects of the program, prefer to work with legislators for improvements rather than support its repeal.
Key quote:
"We have never been against the Climate Commitment Act."
— Kevin Slagle, vice president of communications, Western States Petroleum Association
Why this matters:
The potential repeal of Washington's climate law highlights the complex relationship between environmental legislation, the oil industry, and public perception. While oil companies show unexpected support for the cap-and-trade system, public opposition fueled by concerns over gas prices poses a significant challenge. This situation underscores the delicate balance needed in crafting effective climate policies that align industry interests with environmental goals.
Related: As Pennsylvania moves to join a regional greenhouse gas initiative, experts say it will also reduce toxics, foster healthier kids, and save the state billions. But GOP policymakers and industry groups remain opposed.
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Washington's solar projects: a threat to tribal heritage?
The Badger Mountain solar project highlights significant gaps in Washington's permitting system, raising concerns among tribal nations about the preservation of their cultural heritage.
B. “Toastie” Oaster reports for HIgh Country News in partnership with ProPublica.
In short:
- The Badger Mountain solar project in Washington state has exposed serious flaws in the state's system for protecting tribal cultural resources.
- State archaeologist Sara Palmer discovered numerous significant sites of archaeological and cultural importance overlooked in developer-conducted surveys.
- Tribal nations, including the Colville and Yakama, have voiced strong opposition, citing the project's potential to damage vital cultural and natural resources.
Key quote:
"This is one of the last places where our roots aren’t being sprayed by anybody or they’re not grazed over by animals. It’s our food cache, and we don’t want it ruined."
— Andy Joseph Jr., Colville Tribal Business Council
Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate, and health.
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Photo by MICHAEL WILSON on Unsplash
Washington is leaving tribal cultural resources at the mercy of solar developers
The Badger Mountain solar project reveals gaps in the state’s permitting system that tribal nations say perpetuates a legacy of “cultural genocide.”
Photo by Brandon DesJarlais on Unsplash
Welcoming relatives home
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville in Washington State are restoring the lands and species of their traditional ecological community.
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