The Environmental Justice Group has proposed and the Board of Director has approved of the church joining the No on Initiative 2117 Coalition, a diverse group of over 400 organization from across the state. This initiative would eliminate the state’s Climate Commitment Act, an act which has raised over $2 billion in just 1.5 years from WA’s major polluters to fund progressive community (mostly energy) projects. The coalition: (https://no2117.com/our-coalition/). The Climate Commitment Act’s Projects:  (Climate Commitment Act: Polluters pay, communities benefit | Climate (wa.gov). Per the church bylaws, this needs to be decided upon by the church membership. Indicate your support for this action – Joining the No on I-2117 Coalition (or opposition to do so) by responding to this poll. The deadline is Labor Day, September 2.

What is Initiative 2117 and the WA Climate Commitment Act (CCA)

This state-wide initiative is on the November ballot to eliminate the WA’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) passed into law in 2021. A key part of the CCA is the requirement of WA’s worst polluters to buy emissions allowances via quarterly auctions. The funds raised, over $2 billion just since 2/28/2023, have been invested in many progressive community projects CCA stipulates that communities disproportionately affected by climate change need to be a priority and other health inequities need to be addressed Climate Commitment Act: Polluters pay, communities benefit | Climate (wa.gov).  According to the WA Dept of Commerce, people in some WA communities die 2.4 years earlier due to air pollution. A coalition of over 400 organizations, including two Unitarian Universalist congregations, have stepped forward to oppose this initiative (https://no2117.com/our-coalition/).

On the other hand, if I-2117 passes, the loss of billions in revenue is expected to jeopardize other upcoming funding needs/renewals (for example, state retirement PERS 1 COLAs).

This is cap and invest system is rare in the country (https://ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/climate-commitment-act/cap-and-invest) and reportedly supporters and opponents are watching closely to see if it gets shut down.

Why Join the Coalition to Oppose I-2117

1. This matches the values of justice, equity, the worthiness of the environment and all life espoused by the Environmental Justice Group, the Congregation and our denomination.
2. The Initiative, if it passes, would prevent future legislation to enact similar programs. How is that constitutional? This would be huge blow to the state.
3. Two other UU churches in the state have joined: the Edmonds UU Congregation and the University Unitarian Church. Adding a third UU church strengths the message the UUs continue to show up for the environment.
4. We would join a diverse group of over 350 organizations, including other faith groups, companies and small businesses, environmental leaders, Tribal nations, labor unions, transportation advocates, and community organizations.
5. I predict this would gain overwhelming approval of the Congregation, probably near unanimous consent.
6. The main argument against the Initiative is that it amounts to a gas tax as the fossil fuel companies will merely pass along the cost to consumers. Yes, they will likely pass along the cost. However, this is a cap system and the cost of the allowances will increase over time, putting pressure to move from fossil fuel use. Also, raising $billions to invest in communities is worth it as climate change threatens our very survival and those most vulnerable will suffer the most.

How would this Impact WSUU’s IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt status?

1. This would not endorse or oppose any candidate which is prohibited.
2. This would not result in displaying political signs on church property which is prohibited. Ballot initiatives are technically deemed legislative issues, not political activity, at least according to the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
3. It would be clear that the church would be investing a very insubstantial amount of resources to this effort. 20% of resources are typically deemed a substantial amount. Also, there appears to be no financial commitments required of Coalition members.