By: Naghmana Sherazi
It has been a long journey to advancing climate policy and making Washington state a leader in ensuring our communities have clean water, clean air, and a just transition away from fossil fuels. The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) plays a pivotal role in our fight against climate change, guiding us towards the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Through measures like pollution reduction and carbon pricing, the CCA not only caps emissions but also fuels investments in vital climate solutions.
These investments touch every corner of our state, from boosting transportation infrastructure to enhancing home efficiency and conserving our precious natural resources. Particularly the CCA supports many of TLC’s programs from, increasing the ability of low income households to move away from their reliance on fossil fuels, urban forestry, habitat restoration, and salmon recovery. But our progress faces a serious threat from Initiative 2117 (I-2117), which seeks to roll back the CCA's gains and halt future carbon trading efforts.
To protect our climate achievements, we must stand firm against I-2117 and uphold the CCA's principles. You can help by staying informed and joining advocacy efforts through platforms like the Washington Conservation Alliance (WCA).
Meanwhile, exciting opportunities for community engagement are coming up:
In celebration of Expo 74’s 50th anniversary, The Lands Council is thrilled to announce the upcoming Legislative Summit. Held at the Convention Center on June 21st from 8:00am to 4:30pm, this event marks a continuation of the environmental legacy initiated by Expo '74's Environmental Symposium. With a focus on resilience and environmental policies, the summit delves into the progress made over the past 50 years and looks ahead to the future.
We've extended invitations to key legislators, stakeholders, local subject matter experts, tribal elders, citizens, and community members to engage in discussions and collaboratively craft legislation centered around specific environmental justice themes relevant to Spokane and the Inland Northwest. These crafted bills, with the sponsorship of invited legislators, will be presented in the 2025 legislative session in Olympia.
The summit kicks off with a Native opening ceremony, followed by breakfast plenary sessions featuring esteemed speakers such as Governor Jay Inslee of WA and Mayor of Spokane City, Dr. Lisa Brown. Breakout sessions will focus on crafting legislation for the upcoming legislative session. Later, attendees will gather at the riverbank for a symbolic salmon ceremony. To add to the day's excitement, a traditional dug-out and sturgeon nosed canoe race will be held, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the tribes of the Inland Northwest. In the evening, tribal elders and dignitaries will be treated to a special meet and greet hosted by Mayor Brown and sponsored by The Lands Council. This gathering will feature a bison and salmon feed, honoring the timeless lifestyle and habitat of the indigenous peoples who have thrived around the Spokane River for countless generations.
In about two weeks, we'll be sending out a link to register for the Summit. Given the limited space available, we can accommodate only the first 100 registrants. We're genuinely excited about this event and eagerly anticipate the active participation of the Spokane community.
Our fight against climate change demands collective action and unwavering commitment. By supporting initiatives like the CCA and engaging in events like the Legislative Summit, you contribute to a greener, more resilient future for our communities.