I-2117 goes up in smoke

OLYMPIA – It looks like the carbon tax is here to stay.

As of the end of counting in the Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election, Initiative 2117 was going up in smoke.

The measure that would have ended the state’s cap-and-tax program on carbon was failing with 1,566,065 votes (61.69%) opposed and only 972,623 (38.31% in favor).

The ballot measure aimed to dismantle Washington’s current climate legislation requiring high-emission businesses to either reduce greenhouse gas emissions or purchase allowances to offset them. Supporters of the repeal argued that the law imposes financial burdens on businesses, while opponents believe it is a necessary step to address climate change.

Six of the 20 counties in Eastern Washington were among those opposing the initiative.

Whitman County posted the strongest opposition on the initial day of counting with 56.29% of voters opposing the measure. Spokane County wasn’t far behind, with 53.44% of voters in opposition.

Lincoln and Garfield counties showed the strongest support, with 65.18% of Lincoln County voters backing the measure along with 64.68% in Garfield.

Neighboring Adams County posted 59.31% support for the measure and Franklin County posted 58.19%.

Late arriving ballots will continued to be counted until certification of the results on Nov. 26.