Washington voters waver on GHG repeal: Poll

Support for a repeal of Washington's carbon market in the upcoming November election may be softening, while a repeal targeting the state's plans to phase out natural gas may be gaining strength, according to a recent public opinion poll.

The poll — which canvassed 403 registered state voters by phone and online earlier this month — indicates just under a clear majority of voters leaning towards a "no" vote on initiative 2117, which would repeal language in the state's Climate Commitment Act (CCA) authorizing the state's cap-and-trade program. A successful repeal would prevent local and state officials from creating a similar replacement for the "cap-and-invest" program.

Data collected in the survey indicates that 46pc of those surveyed would vote against the repeal, with the bulk of voters identifying as Democrat, with 21pc Republican support. The repeal vote received 30pc support, with slightly more than half those surveyed in favor identifying as Republican, and a further 2pc of the total surveyed undecided on the issue.

Washington's "cap-and-invest" program requires large industrial facilities, fuel suppliers and power plants to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 45pc by 2030 and by 95pc by 2050, from 1990 levels. Revenue from state allowance auctions and other related funds is required by state law to be used for critical climate projects throughout Washington.

In contrast, initiative 2066 received a majority support in requiring the state to continue to provide natural gas to utility customers, at 47pc. The ‘no' vote to continue dissuading the use of natural gas in the state as part of the state's energy transition plan garnered 29pc, with a further 24pc undecided. Respondents identifying as Republican formed the bulk of the "yes" vote with 68pc.

Initiative 2066 would repeal HB 1589, signed into law by governor Jay Inslee (D) earlier this year. The law creates planning requirements for certain utilities to comply with a network of state regulations and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and transition away from natural gas in cost-effective ways.

Let's Go Washington, a political action committee, has backed both initiatives over the past year, on the narrative that the state's plans to transition away from natural gas-use and the cap-and-trade program raise fuel and energy prices for families.

The poll, conducted by Cascade PBS/Elway, had 43pc of respondents identify as Democrat, 24pc as Republican and 34pc as Independent. Respondents were primarily ages 36 and older, from western regions of the state and with the majority, at 34pc, from suburban areas.

Under state law, either initiative will need to receive a majority of total votes cast to pass in the 5 November election.

By Denise Cathey