Audubon Washington Supports a Price on Carbon

This November, Washington State has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to implement a carbon tax by voting to support Initiative 732. Audubon in Washington is working hard to help pass this important ballot measure because we know that putting a price on carbon is one of the most important things we can do to protect birds and people from the threat of climate change.

Initiative 732 provides swift and effective action to reduce carbon pollution by balancing a tax on the consumption of fossil fuels with reductions in the state sales tax for consumers, and the business and occupation (B&O) tax for manufacturers. By putting a price on the sale or use of certain fossil fuels and fossil-fuel generated electricity, I-732 will promote the use of clean, renewable energy sources. The initiative also provides financial protections for the most impacted communities, including annual rebates of up to $1,500 for 400,000 low-income working households.

Audubon science shows that climate change is the number one threat to North American birds, including 189 species at risk in Washington State. The Audubon network in Washington has been, and will continue to advocate for policies that reduce carbon pollution, increase renewable energy sources, and protect the places on the ground that birds need so that they can be resilient in a warming world. While this initiative will not complete all the work that needs to be done, I-732 will help move Washington forward as a leader on enacting the solutions that birds and other wildlife need to have a chance in a climate challenged future.