The City of Burien on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 announced its strong opposition to Washington Initiative 2117, which seeks to repeal the state’s three-year-old Climate Commitment Act.
This Act has generated over $2 billion for state projects by requiring major carbon emitters to purchase allowances if they exceed state emission limits.
On July 15, 2024, Burien Airport Committee Vice Chair Brian Davis presented the case against the initiative to the Burien City Council, stating that its passage would threaten the financial stability of communities across Washington. He highlighted that the repeal could jeopardize funding for critical projects, such as the repair and replacement of “port packages” designed to mitigate noise for homes affected by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s flight path.
City Manager Adolfo Bailon emphasized Burien’s commitment to environmental sustainability, saying:
“As it says in our mission statement, the City of Burien treasures our environment. We’ve demonstrated that dedication through innovative sustainability programs, equitable planning efforts, and bold legislation. Our city displayed that resolve once again when the Burien Airport Committee, Burien City Council, and community members raised their voices in unison against this proposed initiative and in support of the Climate Commitment Act. We stand in solidarity with the many other cities, Native Nations, and organizations that have taken a strong stance against I-2117 and in unwavering support of community and environmental health priorities.”
Voters will decide the fate of Initiative 2117 in the upcoming November 2024 general election.
Below is full text of the city’s statement:
“The City of Burien strongly opposes Washington Initiative 2117. This initiative would repeal our state’s three-year-old Climate Commitment Act. The Climate Commitment Act has raised over $2 billion for projects statewide by requiring the largest carbon emitters buy allowances to exceed state emissions limits.
“On July 15, 2024, Burien Airport Committee Vice Chair Brian Davis presented compelling reasons to oppose this initiative to the Burien City Council, warning that “this measure is a threat to the financial health of communities throughout Washington state.” He added that if this initiative passes, it could remove crucial funding opportunities for future projects such as repairing and replacing failed “port packages” which were installed to provide noise mitigation for homes most impacted under the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport flight path.
“Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon said:
‘As it says in our mission statement, the City of Burien treasures our environment. We’ve shown that dedication time and again through innovative sustainability programs, equitable planning efforts, and bold legislation. Our city displayed that resolve once again when the Burien Airport Committee, Burien City Council, and community members raised their voices in unison against this proposed initiative and in support of the Climate Commitment Act. We stand in solidarity with the many other cities, Native Nations, and organizations that have taken a strong stance against I-2117 and in unwavering support of community and environmental health priorities.’
“Voters will have a chance to decide the outcome of Initiative 2117 on their ballot for the November 2024 general election.”
