The Washington Legislature might pass into law a firm cap on global warming pollution across the entire state. Only one other state has done it, and few others are trying right now.

Washington could do this with your help.

The clock is ticking both on our climate and with our legislative session. They have until Sunday to take strong action, after failing to do so last year. If they pass the Climate Commitment Act, it would mean more local jobs, cleaner air, forests that are resilient to climate impacts like catastrophic wildfire, and a healthy climate for our kids and communities. It is way past time to create a cap on greenhouse gas emissions in this state.

The cap and invest framework—with investments back to communities hit hardest by pollution—works. Capping pollution is a tried and tested approach to dealing with pollution concerns in this country. It’s how we unleaded gasoline beginning in the early 80s, it’s how we dealt with acid rain, it’s how we dealt with dangerous air pollutants, and much more.

Even then opponents claimed that the sky would fall if these regulations were imposed, but no one today doubts that these environmental actions weren’t necessary or worth it.

We see the Climate Commitment Act as a necessary component of our carbon reduction strategy, including funding investments in air quality improvements in overburdened communities, transit access and mobility equity, and electrification.

We cannot wait another year for action. It’s time. Climate delay is just as bad as climate denial.

Joelle Robinson
Field Director
Climate Solutions