Redmond City Council Adopts Resolution Opposing Washington Initiative 2117 to Repeal the Climate Commitment Act

In a significant move, the Redmond City Council has unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Washington's Initiative 2117, which aims to repeal the state's Climate Commitment Act. This act, enacted in 2021, serves as a crucial framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a cap-and-trade system, where businesses must purchase emissions credits. Redmond has benefited from this act, receiving more than $2. 2 million in grants that have been reinvested into community projects. These include funding for heat pumps for low-income households, climate adaptation planning, and crucial transportation improvements.

If Initiative 2117 is successful in the upcoming November ballot, the city stands to lose around $1 million that is earmarked for an electric fire engine and the 148th Ave NE Bicycle and Pedestrian Overpass project. The City Council's decision follows its previous declaration of a Climate Emergency and its commitment to achieving municipal carbon neutrality by 2030 and communitywide neutrality by 2050. The Climate Commitment Act is seen as a vital tool that aligns with these sustainability goals. The council's resolution underscores the importance of maintaining funding and support for climate initiatives within the region.