The future starts now.
We must stop arguing about the origins of climate change and start making some choices to live cleaner lives that pollute less.
Those choices start at the ballot this fall.
Our state Legislature has already set a goal of having 100 percent clean energy by 2050.
Washington state has seen a more than 170-fold increase in the amount of power we get from the sun and a more than threefold increase in wind energy production since 2007.
On the ballot this fall is measure I-1631, which will add a fee to large carbon emitters and make financial incentives for companies to shift to cleaner energy and less pollution.
Sadly, our Clallam County Public Utility District came out in opposition to this measure.
Everyone fears having to pay more but we are already paying and we will continue to pay the price for not changing.
The fee is not meant to be for individuals, but for large scale polluters who need some accountability.
It is a solid measure and will set a precedent to other states in the nation.
I encourage everyone to vote yes on I-1631 and help Washington state lead the way toward a more renewable cleaner tomorrow.
Melinda Gelder,
Port Angeles