Big oil is at it again, casting their long shadow over Washington State politics, and stoking fear to protect their market monopoly over our energy economy. This time, they’re taking aim at the cleaner, low-carbon fuels which would protect the climate, clean our air, and encourage economic development in our state.
Washington needs more—not fewer—clean choices when it comes to fuels. Tell your legislators that Washington needs a Clean Fuel Standard like the rest of the West Coast.
Last fall, big oil’s record-spending opposition to I-1631 was the main obstacle to passing what would have been a landmark step in our efforts to curb climate change. But we have another chance right now to accelerate our transition away from dependence on fossil fuels.
A Clean Fuel Standard will improve our air quality by reducing the carbon intensity of fuels in Washington by 20%, and it will expand transportation electrification. It will also create more homegrown jobs, supporting Washington-based production of clean, low-carbon fuels. (Biofuels with a high carbon footprint based on a lifecycle analysis—like fuels derived from palm oil, or turning forests into cornfields—won't be incentivized.)
We like to think of Washington as a climate-leadership state, but in clean fuels, we’re getting left behind. Oregon, California and British Columbia already benefit from their own clean fuel standards, after going up against the oil industry and winning. Every gallon of fuel there is cleaner as a result... and the air is healthier to breathe. Washington deserves those benefits too.
That’s why, as part of a set of bold solutions this legislative session, Climate Solutions is supporting HB1110, along with the American Lung Association, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, and the Union of Concerned Scientists, as well as Washington utilities and businesses.
Your voice matters in Washington saying YES to clean fuels. Legislators are hearing from the oil industry and their allies right now. We need to call on our elected leaders to do what’s right for Washington and our climate—not what’s good for big oil. They may have bought an outcome on the ballot—let's not let them do it again in Olympia.
Bottom line, we know from all our hard work together on I-1631 that if the oil industry hates it, it must be a good thing!
Author Bio
Joëlle engages community members and diverse constituencies—faith, health, youth, parents, business—to make their voices heard for climate solutions. She led the team of organizers to ensure we stopped any coal export from the U.S. West Coast over the past decade. On offense, she co-led the Field team to help pass the 100% Clean Electricity (Clean Energy Transition Act in 2019) and in 2022 collaborated with the Field team to ensure that all new buildings (commercial and residential) will be built with heat pumps per the State Building Code Council. She continues to conspire for good with them on many other local and state initiatives.
Joëlle was the Regional Outreach Coordinator of National Wildlife Federation where she focused on mobilizing hunters, anglers and concerned citizens around solutions to global warming. Previous work with Climate Solutions includes the NW Climate Connections partnership, serving as the Field Assistant for the successful Clean Cars campaign, and Field Director of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which passed in April 2006.
She previously served on the boards of Earth Ministry, Solar Washington, and Sierra Club Executive Committee. She’s currently President of the board of her 3 year-old!
Joëlle is Northwest born and raised who loves to hike, dance, travel and explore the natural world.
Her favorite quote is “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver
