January 20, 2025
Governor Bob Ferguson
Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
Dear Governor Ferguson:
Congratulations on becoming governor. We in Third Act Washington are happy and proud that we
have a governor who will continue the state’s strong support for the environment and climate action.
We are confident that the legislature will provide the same strong support.
The dramatic loss of Initiative 2117 shows that the people of Washington see global warming and
the need to act soon. They also clearly see the benefit of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) in its
funding of major services that increase energy efficiency and are valuable in themselves.
We understand why you are concerned about the state budget. Many Third Act Washington
members are retirees on fixed incomes who must carefully plan their household budgets. We
understand why someone might suggest reducing General Fund costs by moving some of its climate
spending to CCA funding.
We think this is a bad idea. It is a step back from climate action. People in Washington voted against
I-2117 because they are willing to pay more for gas to help the environment and climate and to
provide services they want and need. This could turn it into a gas tax, exactly as some feared. It is
critical that the Climate Commitment Act continue funding the new climate actions that it made
possible.
We look forward to seeing your proposed budget and will share our opinion on this aspect of the
budget with the legislature. Thank you very much for considering this budget priority.
Sincerely,
Peter K. Harris
Third Act Washington