Issue Position: Environment and Climate Change

Issue Position

Our kids deserve to live in a healthy environment and enjoy the Pacific Northwest's abundant natural resources and wildlife.

TAKING ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Fighting climate change is one of the major challenges of our time. The science tells us that if we don't take effective action now, it will be exceedingly difficult or impossible to fix later. Rather than wait for others to act, Washington State should put a price on pollution to mitigate the effects of human induced climate change.

INCENTIVIZING CLEAN ENERGY FOR OUR HOMES, BUSINESSES, AND CARS

We need laws that incentivize non-polluting energy sources such as wind, solar and tidal power. Developing a clean energy infrastructure will also create jobs.

We should also look for opportunities to reduce food waste because food production accounts for nine percent of greenhouse gases emitted in the U.S., due to diesel fuel used for tractors, fertilizer production, etc.[1] Less food wasted means less carbon emitted per person.

Transportation accounts for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.[2] Efficient public transit can reduce emissions (see web page labeled "Transportation'). We must also make it easier for people to drive electric vehicles. We should encourage gas stations to have battery exchanges or rapid charging stations so that drivers can travel long distances without undue delay. As the technology becomes more mainstream, the cost of electric vehicles will go down significantly.

PROTECTING OUR MOUNTAIN RANGES AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

Our urban area reaches to the foothills of the Cascades in the east and the Puget Sound in the west. We need to leave the mountains to nature so we can enjoy the very things many of us love about the Pacific Northwest-hiking, skiing, hunting and fishing. We need to adequately fund fish hatcheries and make sure we maintain our trail system, so that we have world-class outdoor activities.

DECREASING HARMFUL TOXINS IN PUGET SOUND BY ADDRESSING STORM WATER RUNOFF

The Puget Sound is in danger because of pollution and overdevelopment. Our stormwater infrastructure is outdated and unable to filter toxins effectively when it rains.[3] The good news is that filtering water through soil and beneficial plants can go a long way in neutralizing toxic chemicals. We just need to construct infrastructure that promotes this.[4] We also need effective regulations to preserve and enhance critical habitat areas.

THE FACTS

Climate change is affecting our Pacific Northwest. Oil companies and corporations have spent billions lying to convince us that the threat is not real. This lie they have perpetrated is criminal. By delaying solutions we have already guaranteed that the earth's temperature will rise. We are already experiencing heat waves, droughts, changes in ocean conditions, and extinctions of animal species. In Puget Sound salmon and Orca whales are in danger. Our own Washington State oyster growers are having trouble raising oysters because of changes in water chemistry resulting from climate change, and the crabbing industry may be next.[5],[6] Failing to address climate change is costing us jobs.

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