No on 2117 Campaign, Its Nearly 600 Coalition Members, & Governor Jay Inslee Celebrate the Defeat of Initiative 2117

Seattle, WA, November 6, 2024 – The No on 2117 campaign, its statewide coalition of nearly 600 organizations and Tribal Nations, and Washington Governor Jay Inslee tonight celebrated the defeat of Initiative 2117.

“Washingtonians said loud and clear that they value clean air and clean water — and they don’t want to go backwards. Washingtonians showed that they reject cynicism, and they support action and innovation to protect our kids’ and grandkids’ health. This a victory for clean air, clean energy jobs, and a stronger economy in the Evergreen State. Thank you, Washington,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Tonight, we also send a message around the country about what is possible for smart climate action that invests in communities. I am grateful to everyone who supported this campaign and voted ‘no’ on I-2117. I am especially grateful to the many Washingtonians who worked for years to ensure we lead the way in addressing pollution. Together, we built the biggest coalition our state has ever seen to say a resounding ‘no’ to more pollution. But our work together is far from done. We must continue to reduce pollution and protect Washingtonians’ health while growing our economy. So tonight we are going to celebrate — and tomorrow, we’re going to get back to work building a healthier, cleaner future for the next generation.”

“Tonight’s results demonstrate the power of a historic coalition and grassroots movement that came together to say ‘no’ to more pollution, and said they want to protect our clean air, water, land, and transportation investments,” said Wellesley Daniels, Campaign Manager, No on 2117. “We are grateful to our nearly 600 coalition partners across our state who worked together over these many months. We are grateful to our volunteers — all those who knocked on doors and made phone calls — and to the thousands of Washingtonians who endorsed our campaign. We are grateful to Governor Jay Inslee for his steadfast leadership, and his commitment to protecting our state, our communities, and our families. We also thank the many Washingtonians who made their voices heard by voting in this election.”

More information on the No on 2117 campaign is available below and at https://no2117.com/.

WHAT NO ON 2117 COALITION MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DEFEAT OF INITIATIVE 2117:

“From warming salmon streams to eroding shorelines, Northwest Tribes know firsthand the need to protect our lands and waters, and to defeat Initiative 2117,” said Suquamish Tribal Chair and President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Leonard Forsman. “Our victory over Initiative 2117 allows us to advance climate progress and safeguard our lands, cultures, and economies for future generations.”

“By rejecting Initiative 2117, Washingtonians have shown their commitment to advancing a resilient future for our environment and economy,” said Addie Candib, Pacific Northwest Regional Director, American Farmland Trust. “This decision will make it possible for Washington to fully invest in farmers’ needs and priorities, including access to water, soil health, voluntary stewardship, and farmland protection. We are grateful to everyone who joined in this effort, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for solutions that protect our natural resources and support the livelihoods of farmers across the state.”

“By rejecting Initiative 2117, Washingtonians have demonstrated a resolve to be leaders in the nation and tackle the climate crisis while protecting communities from the impacts of pollution,” said David Mendoza, Director of Policy & Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy in Washington. “We are proud to have been part of one of the largest and most diverse coalitions in state history to oppose Initiative 2117. With this vote behind us, we can continue developing solutions that work for our economy and our communities, especially Tribal Nations and others on the front lines of the climate crisis.”

“A decade ago, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and our member companies joined an open declaration acknowledging climate change as a significant risk to our economy and quality of life and committed to taking action to address it,” said Rachel Smith, President and CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “Today, voters of Washington state cast a decisive vote agreeing with that sentiment – one that will continue to pioneer solutions to addressing carbon pollution, invest in a clean energy economy, and protect our environment. The Seattle Metro Chamber is proud to have been a part of the incredible coalition to make that happen and proud to call Washington our home.”

“Washington voters were asked to put the brakes on our state’s commitment to climate action.  Instead, they sent a message to accelerate our transition to a clean energy economy that will provide cleaner and cheaper energy for Washington residents and businesses,” said Michael Mann, Clean & Prosperous Washington.

“bp is proud to have been part of a broad coalition of supporters for the No on 2117 campaign,” said Tom Wolf, Senior Government Affairs Manager, bp America. “Voters have made their choice clear in support of the Climate Commitment Act and the clear and efficient process for reducing emissions in Washington.”

“Amazon is grateful to Washington state voters who voted ‘no’ on Initiative 2117, which would have reversed important state policy on clean energy and climate action, and cut existing funding for key transportation projects across Washington state,” said Charles Knutson, Senior Manager Public Policy, Amazon. “This result allows all of us to continue driving climate solutions, and Amazon is committed to accelerating responsible climate action in every industry, throughout the state, and beyond, so our planet’s diverse communities, natural resources, and shared environments can thrive indefinitely.”

“The health of our land, water, and air is inseparable from the health of our people and our habitat. We know this firsthand in the Duwamish Valley. I-2117 threatened our air, water, and communities, but together we defeated it,” said Joseph Santana, Environmental Health Equity Memo, Duwamish River Community Coalition. “Now, we are carrying that momentum forward in the fight for a just transition and regenerative economy especially for those most impacted by environmental injustices.”

“Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility has worked tirelessly to defeat Initiative 2117,” said Ken Lans, Board President, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility. “As physicians and health professionals, we know that increased pollution in our air and water presents an undeniable threat to everyone’s health. This victory is a win for our environment, a win for our health, and a strong endorsement of the need for innovative, community-focused climate action.”

“For more than a decade, the people of Washington have demanded that we reduce the dangerous pollution that is killing our children and communities. Passing the Climate Commitment Act benefits everyone. Initiative 2117, put on the ballot by Republican Jim Walsh and his out-of-state multimillionaire donors like Brian Heywood, deceptively tried to convince voters to repeal our state’s pollution reduction law, slash billions from our state budgets and put our communities in harm’s way,” said Alyssa Macy, CEO of Washington Conservation Action and citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. “We’ve been fighting against this initiative for more than a year and it is our organizing across the state that has resulted in a resounding victory for climate progress. Voters have spoken — now we can continue building a healthier, safer, greener, Washington state for all!”

“Washington voters have sent a strong message: Yes on climate action and clean energy jobs,” said Gregg Small, Executive Director, Climate Solutions. “We worked tirelessly to build the largest and most diverse coalition in Washington state political history. We knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors and made as many calls. And today, we see the fruits of our labor: Voters have affirmed Washington’s role as our nation’s leader in climate policy.”

“Physicians in Washington state have named climate change as one of the critical public health issues of our time. No surprise, as we increasingly are seeing the physical tolls of climate change on our patients,” said John Branhall, MD, PhD, President, Washington State Medical Association. “We are heartened to see that Washington’s voters — those very patients — are just as concerned. The defeat of initiative 2117 shows once again that Washington’s patients and physicians remain united in their commitment in moving forward toward solutions that both reduce pollution and address the issue of climate change to promote healthier, sustainable communities.”

“Washington voters have made it clear: They support and expect a well-funded, safe, and accessible transportation system,” said Billy Wallace, Political and Legislative Director, Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers. “Right now, we’re 20,000 miles behind on paving roads and we have 150 bridges that need to be fixed. Today’s vote means we can get moving to deliver on these critical projects. I’m grateful to the campaign staff, the incredible coalition, and all the volunteers who made today’s victory possible.”

“The Washington State Labor Council represents over half a million union members in Washington including firefighters, nurses, construction workers, and truck drivers across our state,” said April Sims, President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “Working people across Washington state worked tirelessly to defeat Initiative 2117, and we’re thrilled to join voters across our state in celebrating today’s win for climate action and clean, stable jobs.”

“This is a massive win for transportation in Washington,” said Kirk Hovenkotter, Executive Director, Transportation Choices Coalition. “Thanks to everyone who mobilized against I-2117, young people will be able to keep riding transit for free, seniors and working families won’t have to wait longer for the bus, and we can continue to make it safer and easier for all Washingtonians to get where they need to go.”

“Firefighters know firsthand the devastating effects wildfires have on our communities and our lands,” said Dennis Lawson, President, Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. “Our members have been united in saying ‘NO’ to Initiative 2117, and today, we’re proud to celebrate this victory for our members, our forests, and our communities.

“Washington voters said loud and clear that we are not going back in the fight against climate change,” said Joe Fitzgibbon, Majority Leader of the Washington House of Representatives. “Policymakers in Olympia will head into 2025 guided by the affirmation that our constituents intend for our state to continue our progress in reducing emissions, protecting our air, water, and land, and investing in the future.”

THE NO ON 2117 CAMPAIGN BY THE NUMBERS:

Since launching in April 2024, the No on 2117 campaign has advanced an unprecedented effort to defeat Initiative 2117 across fundraising, field organizing, paid media, and coalition-building.

An Unprecedented Coalition in the History of Washington State Campaigns:

• 575+ Organizations & Tribal Nations

• 20 WA Tribal Nations…

…and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in OR

• 200+ Individual Doctors and Nurses, and Leading Health and Medical Groups

…and Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, the American Lung Association, and Washington State Nurses Association

• 35+ Labor Unions…

…including the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

• Small Businesses & Leading Companies…

…including the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Amazon, Microsoft, REI, and 50+ craft breweries

And even more organizations, including the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Washington Conservation Action, and the Washington State Medical Association.

• Statewide Voter Contact & Grassroots Organizing Program

No on 2117 had seven full time organizing staff across Washington state who worked in partnership with local community organizations and volunteers.

Volunteers knocked on 180,000 doors and made 176,000 phone calls across WA.

Mobilized 2,000 unique volunteers across 2,800 volunteer shifts.

Reached voters in all 39 counties in Washington.