Climate scores big wins in ballot measures across US West

Voters across the U.S. West granted efforts to combat climate change resounding wins in state- and local-level ballot measures, amid expectations that President-elect Trump’s administration will roll back federal environmental protections.

California

Voters in the Golden State voted in favor of a $10 billion climate resilience bond, which materialized following significant cuts to environmental initiatives in the 2024-25 state budget.

California, a national leader on climate issues, has set ambitious emissions reduction targets while facing climate-driven impacts such as extreme weather, drought and wildfires.

But the state has been contending with a $46.8 billion shortfall, which legislators addressed by cutting budget allocations in various sectors.

The ballot initiative, Proposition 4, authorizes bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention and the protection of communities and lands from climate threats. Officials anticipate the bonds will increase state costs by about $400 million annually during the 40-year repayment period.

The bond will dedicate 40 percent of the $10 billion at minimum toward disadvantaged communities.

“Californians are taking charge and doubling down on climate action to protect themselves and build a more resilient future while preserving what makes our state special,” Liz Forsburg Pardi, California policy director for The Nature Conservancy, said in a statement.

Colorado

Coloradans granted their approval for Proposition JJ, which will loosen restrictions on the amount of sports betting tax revenues that the state can use for water projects.

Such revenues in the Centennial State are typically used for watershed health projects, water storage needs, conservation and land use, drought planning, water efficiency improvements and water education, according to the proposition.

Prior to the vote, the state needed to refund casinos and sports betting operators for tax revenues that exceeded $29 million annually.

The influx of funds from sports betting into water projects began after voters approved Proposition DD in 2019 — authorizing a 10 percent tax on the net proceeds of sports betting in casinos.

The Colorado Water Trust, which said it does not usually take a position on political issues, endorsed Proposition JJ as “a win for rivers, a win for farmers and a win for cities — a win for Colorado.”

Washington

Voters in Washington took decisive action against a ballot measure that sought to repeal the Evergreen State’s cornerstone Climate Commitment Act.

Washingtonians rejected Initiative 2117, which aimed to eliminate most provisions of the legislation — approved by state lawmakers in 2021.

Had the measure passed, it would have prohibited state agencies from imposing any kind of carbon tax credit, including “cap and trade” programs — which require polluters to purchase greenhouse gas allowances and offsets.

The ballot initiative also would have reduced funding for investments in renewable energy, transportation, clean air, conservation and emissions reduction efforts.

Hawaii

On a local level, residents of Hawaii’s capital approved amendments to the Honolulu City Charter that included the establishment of a Climate Resiliency Fund.

The fund will take half a percent of the city’s property tax revenues and deposit that money in a pool dedicated to climate initiatives, according to the Honolulu Elections Division.

These resources, according to the charter, will “support initiatives and projects aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change, enhancing the resilience of the city’s infrastructure and communities and promoting sustainable practices.”

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