Debate intensifies over initiative 2117 impact on gas prices and environment

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Voters in Washington will decide on a ballot initiative in November that would get rid of the state's Climate Commitment Act.

Supporters of the initiative said the CCA, a law funded by the cap and invest program, is causing a higher cost of living in Washington.

Those pushing for a no vote said the initiative will harm taxpayers and communities across the state. They said it will get rid of the critical investment the CCA provides towards infrastructure and a cleaner environment.

A newly-formed non-profit, Washington Rural Environment Network hosted a town hall in Cheney on Saturday at which policies central to rural communities were discussed. One of its speakers, Brian Heywood, spoke about Initiative 2117.

"If 2117 is passed, and I strongly believe that it will be, it will immediately shut down the need for auctions," Heywood said. "You'll see the auction price go down to nothing and that will have an impact on the price of gas."

At the same time, a Vote No on 2117 campaign took place in Spokane.

State Senator Andy Billig (D-District 3), a speaker at the event, is a strong supporter of the campaign.

"What is more important is what the Climate Commitment Act is doing for our planet, our state and for our local community by investing back," Billig said.

If 2117 passes, it would get rid of the Climate Commitment Act, a law intended to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. That's accomplished by setting emission limits and requiring larger polluters to purchase allowances.

Senator Billig said the CCA does more than just protect the environment. He said it also invests in our community through the various forms of infrastructure it provides and bridge projects.

"If the initiative passes, and the Climate Commitment Act is repealed, we're going to see a rollback," said Billig. "the Climate Commitment Act is crucial for our community, for our state as a whole, and really for the planet, "

Let's Go Washington said the CCA missed its goals. Heyward said that he believes that if the initiative passes, prices could be down up to 30 cents within the next few months.

"This is all about money. It's nothing to do with the environment. The environment gives them a cover to take a lot of money from people," said Heyward.

Those against the imitative argue even if the 2117 passes, it is uncertain if gas prices will go down since those are market-based.

The CCA's cap and invest program has brought an estimated $2.2 billion dollars in revenue.

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