Resolution supporting House Bill 1646 By 34th District Democratic Organization State of Washington

Passed: March 2017

WHEREAS, the burning of fossil fuels creates air pollution that causes impaired lung function, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma attacks and premature death;

WHEREAS, the burning of fossil fuels generates greenhouse gases that cause climate change which according to the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group is a major public health risk;

WHEREAS, unless action is undertaken without further delay to return the atmospheric concentration of CO₂ to no more than 350 ppm by 2100, Earth’s climate system will be pressed toward irreversible, ever-worsening, climate-related impacts;

WHEREAS, transitioning off of fossil fuels towards a 100% renewable energy economy is in the best interests of the residents and citizens of Washington;

WHEREAS, nationally, renewable energy businesses are creating jobs 12 times faster than the rest of the economy

WHEREAS, a carbon tax is recommended by many economists as a way to promote the just transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy; and thereby, improve our health and create jobs for our communities in the renewable energy economy;

WHEREAS, HB would use the proceeds of a carbon tax fund to invest in clean energy, clean air, healthy forests, and Washington’s disproportionately impacted communities;

WHEREAS, HB 1646 would strengthen greenhouse emissions limits for the State of Washington;

WHEREAS, HB 1646 is sponsored by representatives Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon, and endorsed by Front and Centered, Got Green and the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLEVD THAT:

The 34th District Democratic Organization urges our caucus in Olympia to give their very highest level of support to House Bill 1646 (Senate Bill 5509). We believe this bill will benefit our communities by improving our health, bringing new jobs and protecting young people’s rights to a healthy climate system.