OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The campaign against a ballot measure creating a carbon pollution fee has set a fundraising record for statewide initiatives.
The “No on 1631” campaign sponsored by the Western States Petroleum Association, an oil industry trade group, has raised more than $25.8 million, according to data from the Public Disclosure Commission.
Supporters of the measure have raised about $12.5 million.
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Initiative 1631 would charge large carbon emitters fees on fossil fuels used or sold in the state or electricity generated within the state. The fees would raise an estimated $2.3 billion in the first five years to fund a wide range of programs intended at cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Oil companies have given the bulk of opposition money, with BP America the top donor at $9.6 million.
The ’no’ campaign breaks the previous state record of $22.45 million that was set in 2013 by the “No on 522” committee, which successfully defeated a ballot measure requiring labels on food with genetically engineered ingredients.
If approved by voters Nov. 6, Initiative 1631 would make Washington the first state in the U.S. to impose a direct carbon fee or tax by voter initiative.
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