By Naghmana Sherazi

Forests are the lungs of our planet and rivers the heartbeat. We at The Lands Council believe that thriving forests and clean watersheds protect and provide for people, wildlife, and nature. We work toward the goal of a Spokane River that supports native fish and that provides a place for people to relax, to fish, to boat, and to swim. We have a once-in-a-generation chance to fund climate action that could bring us closer to that vision.

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is a landmark bill that caps climate pollution and makes polluters pay for their emissions. The CCA went into effect January 1st. The legislature is now debating how to spend the funds generated. In its early years, forecasts predict that the CCA will bring in nearly $1 billion per year that can be used to provide support for climate solutions around the state.

The list of proposals that could become a reality because of the CCA is exciting and hopeful: $10 million to strengthen urban forests, $10 million for habitat restoration and commercial thinning of forests, $10 million to restore riparian forests along rivers and streams, $5 million to enhance the shrub steppe ecosystems of Eastern Washington and tens of millions for various projects to sequester carbon in forests and fields. There are dozens more.

We must use CCA funds as intended: for projects like these that support vigorous climate action and fiercely defend our communities against climate impacts. This is a historic opportunity, let’s not miss it.

This was originally published in the Spokesman Review Letters for March 8, 2023.