AGC urges a NO vote on Initiative 1631

AGC is urging a NO vote on Initiative 1631 -- the carbon-tax measure -- and has officially joined the No on 1631 Coalition working across Washington to defeat this unfair tax measure in November.

I-1631 is a deeply-flawed proposal to impose a new $2.3 billion escalating energy tax on Washington businesses and consumers while exempting six of the state’s top-ten largest polluters.

Under the measure, large corporations and polluters would be protected, while families and small businesses would be forced to pay billions in higher energy costs with no guarantee it would result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gases. To make matters worse, I-1631’s taxes will automatically increase every year – more than quadrupling by 2035 – with no cap.

I-1631 also creates a new state bureaucracy involving 14 state agencies, costing an estimated $27 million in the first five years alone. The unelected board created by I-1631 would have broad authority to disperse billions of dollars with little to no real accountability or legislative oversight and no requirements that it meets any specific requirements for reducing greenhouse gases.

We are encouraging our members to take the first step of joining the NO on 1631 Coalition and adding your business to the growing list of Washington families, farmers, small businesses, organizations, and individuals across our state who oppose this costly and unfair energy tax on working families and consumers.

Also, now is the time to make sure your voter registration is current, and to encourage your employees to register to vote. Visit the Secretary of State’s office at www.sos.wa.gov and click on REGISTER TO VOTE in the top-right corner of your screen.