Voters in various states on Tuesday decided on ballot initiatives that will determine whether to expand and fund environmental and climate-related projects in each state.
In Berkeley, California, voters rejected a measure that would have imposed a tax on buildings larger than 15,000 square feet that use heating equipment such as natural gas or gas stoves.
At the state level, California voters passed a measure to fund climate change projects across the state.
California voters approved Proposition 4, which would create a $10 billion taxpayer-funded bond for climate change projects such as improving drinking water, wildfire prevention efforts, and protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels. was approved.
Biden-Harris EPA funds 'radical left' environmental groups seeking to phase out fossil fuels: Report
The massive Barren Ridge solar panel array seen from Highway 58 near Mojave, California, on April 4, 2017. (George Rose)
Prior to the bill's passage, opponents had warned that such projects would have financial implications and that states should not take a loan-based approach to climate-related mitigation.
On Election Day, Washington voters rejected an effort to repeal the state's climate policy.
Climate change activists cover the US embassy in London with orange paint as President Trump predicts victory
Residents voted against Washington Initiative 2117, which repeals the state's climate change law, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
The measure would repeal a 2021 law that would prohibit state agencies from implementing a carbon cap-and-trade system.
A wind turbine power plant in the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington state side. (Don and Melinda Crawford)
Supporters of the bill have strongly criticized the law, arguing that the current carbon tax increases energy costs. But groups opposed to the bill told Fox News Digital that its passage would mean “more air and water pollution.”
“Washingtonians have said loud and clear that we value clean air and clean water, and we don't want to go back,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement. “Washingtonians rejected cynicism and showed they support action and innovation to protect the health of our children and grandchildren. It's a win for the economy.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Rhode Island passed Ballot Question 4 on a $53 million bond for land conservation, while voters in Minnesota passed an amendment that would allocate money from the state lottery to the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund for environmental projects. Voted in favor of 1.
