Join Us in Voting ''No" on I-2117 and Protect Climate Progress

As hikers, we are seeing firsthand how trails and public lands are put at risk by climate change. 

These impacts are felt in every corner of our state: backcountry landscapes ravaged by escalating wildfires, roads and trails obstructed by mudslides, low-lying communities and critical infrastructure hit by floods and wildfire smoke degrading air quality across entire regions.

WTA trail crews have completed multiple years of fire recovery work in the Entiat River Valley. Photo by trip reporter Peace4Mel

• WTA on climate change
• As an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving trails and public lands in Washington, we believe that WTA has a role in the fight against climate change.

Climate change is threatening healthy forests, clean air and open trails, and therefore our ability to get outdoors.

That’s why WTA is asking hikers to vote “No” on Initiative 2117 (I-2117) to defend our state’s climate progress.

I-2117 would cut funding for conservation, wildfire prevention and transportation

The Climate Commitment Act funds state programs that support air quality, fish habitat, community forestry, transit service, wildfire prevention and Tribal leadership on climate solutions. I-2117 would strip this funding from our state budget.

• Vote for Trails
• There are so many reasons to vote. Check out WTA’s Vote for Trails resource to learn how your vote can support the outdoors at the federal, state and local levels. 

If passed, I-2117 would cut funding for:

• Protecting state lands as parks, open spaces and nature preserves through the Trust Land Transfer program. 
• $30 million for statewide programs that reduce severe wildfire risk while making our forests healthier.
• Our state’s transportation plan. It would reduce funding for public transit and walking, biking and trail projects across the state. 

Urban green spaces can help save lives by lowering neighborhood temperatures, but there isn’t equitable access. Since 2020, WTA has been partnering to create a park at Glendale Forest, building trails within a community that currently does not have walkable access to green space. Photo by Andy James

WTA joins the coalition to defend Washington’s climate solutions

I-2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act, which passed in 2021 and made Washington the second state to create a cap and invest program to reduce carbon pollution and protect our climate.

The Climate Commitment Act’s goal is to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. I-2117 would repeal this act and the ability to pass similar measures in the future. 

WTA has joined an unprecedented coalition of over 500 organizations — representing Tribal Nations, labor unions, environmental groups, community organizations and companies — to oppose I-2117 and defend Washington’s commitment to a healthy climate. 

Washington’s wildlife and human communities both depend on a healthy climate. Photo by Joy Werlink

Stand up for climate progress

Washington’s communities and natural landscapes need climate solutions. 

You can defend our state’s climate progress by:

• Registering to vote or updating your voter information before Oct. 28.
• Voting “No” on I-2117.
• Sharing this blog with three people you know who love the outdoors.

Thank you for being part of a bright future for Washington’s public lands.