Courting Communities to Combat Climate Change
Top-down leadership has been the prevailing model for advancing climate solutions at the state and federal level. However, Washington voters, through a coalition of community groups, are now attempting to leverage citizen action to implement bold climate policies in the coming year.
To accomplish this, the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy is working to place an initiative on the Washington state ballot in 2016. The initiative seeks a multipronged approach, which will enable environmental protection as well as job growth and new economic opportunities. The coalition believes that this is possible by placing a price on carbon emissions, and reinvesting those dollars in clean energy programs, jobs, and low-income communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.
Community leaders are growing impatient with inaction on climate change at the top levels of government. Mayors and municipal officials have strong allies in the non-profit sector and from community organizations, and should collaborate with such groups to implement climate action plans and make their communities a better place to live. To find resources on engaging climate partners in your community, check out Path to Positive Communities.
Groups form alliance to tackle climate change by initiative
By Phuong Le | Tri-City Herald | October 6, 2015
SEATTLE: A coalition of diverse groups is launching a new initiative effort to tackle climate change, raising the prospect that Washington voters could face two statewide ballot measures on carbon pollution next year.
The Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy on Tuesday announced plans to put a climate initiative before voters in November 2016. Their effort aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, put a price on carbon pollution and use that money to invest in clean energy, communities or other programs, though details have not been worked out yet.