New Ads Highlight Harm of I-2117 to Washington’s Air & Water, Transportation System, Wildfire Prevention
I-2117 Would Cut One-Third, or $5.4B, of Statewide Transportation Funding Plan, End Expanded Air Quality Monitoring, New Clean Air Standards, Cut Funding for Forest Health & Wildfire Prevention Programs
September 26, 2024 – New ads in the campaign to defeat Initiative 2117 highlight the harm of I-2117 to Washington’s air and water, wildfire prevention, and our statewide transportation system. Launched today, all three ads will air in the Yakima-Richland-Pasco-Kennewick, Southwest Washington, and Spokane markets and are backed by a six-figure buy.
“Livelihood” features a Washington farmer and spotlights how I-2117 would rollback protections for clean air and water while cutting investments in transportation, making it harder to bring products to market. You can watch “Livelihood” here:
“Protect” features a Washington firefighter and outlines how if passed, I-2117 would cut programs that help prevent severe wildfires. You can watch “Protect” here:
“Repair” features a long-haul truck driver, Annie – a member of the Teamsters, an endorser of No on 2117 – and highlights how I-2117’s cuts to transportation funding put major road and bridge projects at risk of delay or cancellation. You can watch “Repair” here:
“We will continue to work with our nearly 500 coalition partners and grassroots volunteers across the state to ensure that Washingtonians know that I-2117 would decimate funding for transportation and for programs that help prevent severe wildfires,” said Wellesley Daniels, Campaign Manager, No on 2117.
A study released last week found that if passed, Initiative 2117 would cost Washingtonians an estimated 45,000 high-wage jobs. The report also found that I-2117 would cost Washington state approximately $9.1 billion in economic output over eight years.
Nearly 500 organizations and Tribal Nations oppose I-2117 and have endorsed the No on 2117 campaign, including firefighters, small business owners, doctors, nurses, and public health leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and community groups. You can view the full list of organizations opposing I-2117 here.
By The Numbers: The Campaign to Defeat I-2117
Nearly 500: Number of Washington organizations endorsing No on 2117
Over 850: Number of volunteers working across Washington to defeat I-2117
37: Cities and towns in Washington where No on 2117 has already had direct voter contact
Over $16M: Amount raised or pledged to defeat I-2117
Over 5,600: Number of grassroots donations to No on 2117
94: Percent of No on 2117 donors contributing $100 or less