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Local Level Actions
Attend the 4/19 Launch and Volunteer to get Clean Energy on the Ballot
Source: Yes on I-1631
Description: I-1631 will invest in clean energy, natural carbon storage, low-income energy assistance, healthy forests, and clean water, funded by a fee on large corporate polluters. We have only 11 weeks to gather 260,000 valid signatures from Washington voters. Attend the 4/19 launch event to learn more and then help us gather signatures!
Background: No jurisdiction in the world has done what Washington will do in 2018. I-1631 is a real, meaningful, equity-oriented climate change policy proposal that would invest billions of dollars in the clean energy transition we need by pricing the carbon pollution dumped into our atmosphere by big corporations. A broad-base, diverse coalition developed the policy with a united front of organized labor, environmental advocates, faith communities, health professionals, sovereign tribes, and many others.
I-1631 is only one piece of the fierce and broad effort we need to undertake to address the climate crisis – but it’s an important one. We hope you can join us to help make sure it gets on the ballot!
Take Action:
Additional Information:
Volunteer to Serve on the Planning Commission or Lake Whatcom or Wildlife Advisory Committee
Source: Whatcom County
Description: Apply (or encourage a friend or colleague!) to serve on key County advisory committees, including the Planning Commission, Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility Advisory Committee and the Wildlife Advisory Committee. Applications for the Lake Whatcom and Wildlife Committees are due by April 25 and April 17.
Background: Apply (or encourage a friend or colleague!) to serve on key County advisory committees, including the Planning Commission, Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility Advisory Committee and the Wildlife Advisory Committee. Applications for the Lake Whatcom and Wildlife Committees are due by April 25 and April 17.
Contact Information: Click here for current vacancies, and information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Stand with Maru: Demonstration and Call for DOL Director's Resignation
Source: Community to Community Development
Description: Tuesday April 17th at noon, demonstrate in front of the Department of Licensing at 4180 Cordata Parkway. Call Governor Inslee to demand Kohler’s resignation or removal.
Background: Under Kohler, the DOL released residents’ private information to ICE and put thousands at risk of targeting, detention an deportation – including Bellingham-based community organizer Maruo Mora Villalpando. Join us in calling for new leadership for this agency that will comply with the governor’s Executive Order and protect the rights and data of all Washington residents!
In Case You Missed It: Ask Bellingham City Council to Commit to 100% Renewables by 2030
Source: Fossil Free Bellingham Coalition including RE Sources and 350 Bellingham
Description:
The Bellingham City Council recently adopted a detailed plan outlining steps the city can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 85% below 2000 levels by 2050. Residents, including a number of Riveters, have also been pushing the Council to aim higher by setting a goal of 100% renewable energy. The City Council plans to vote on a resolution that could include this goal on April 23. We have until them to convince them that it’s worthwhile!
Background: Our communities can be free from fossil fuel dependence in the 2030’s — but only if our city’s planning policies and building codes are compatible with that future. The Council is considering a resolution that creates a task force to study and report on how to accelerate goals aiming for 100% renewable energy used in:
- City-owned facilities (electricity, heating and transportation) by 2030;
- The Bellingham community’s electricity supply by 2030;
- The Bellingham community’s heating and transportation by 2035.
After severe backlash from fossil fuel industry proponents, the Council withdrew the resolution and plan to reintroduce a new version on April 23rd. Now more than ever, they need to hear from Bellingham residents!
Contact Information: Please send a brief message NOW to the City Council urging them to pass the resolution for 100% renewable energy to ccmail@cob.org. Share with the Council why this matters to you and what commitments you’re making to lower your carbon footprint (biking, weatherizing your home, installing solar panels, etc.).
National Level Actions / Other
From the Calendar
Link to the Riveters Collective Calendar
Every Monday: Attend a vigil hosted by Racial Justice Coalition and Keep Bellingham Families Working. A vigil will be held from 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m. in front of the Whatcom County Courthouse . Support undocumented and immigrant families to live in safety and dignity in our community. Bring your friends and co-workers!
Thursday, April 19, 2018, 6:30pm-8:30pm: Attend the Yes on I-1631 Bellingham Launch. I-1631 will invest in clean energy infrastructure, healthy forests, and clean water, creating thousands of jobs across in Washington State. Join us on April 19th to get all the tools you need to help collect signatures, or simply come to learn more about the initiative! Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St., Bellingham.
Saturday, April 21, 2018 10:00-12:00p.m.: Join the League of Women Voters and the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 for an educational program, Voting: The Heart of Democracy. Diana Bradrick, Whatcom County Chief Deputy Auditor, will discuss voting patterns in local, state, and federal elections; voting integrity in Whatcom County; and how to engage voters. We will also hear from Margaret Morales, Senior Research Associate at Sightline Institute, and the group FairVote Whatcom. Enter through the doors off the green at the back library. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
