As election results continue to roll in, here’s what we know Wednesday morning about how voters around the U.S. responded to state and local ballot measures with direct implications for climate action:
California
Results show that most voters rejected Proposition 30 (about 59% no to 41% yes). The measure would have created a tax to generate funds for electric vehicle incentives and wildfire prevention and response efforts.
Colorado
- Aspen: Pitkin County results show about 62% in favor and 38% against ballot issue 2A, which would start taxing short-term rentals next May. Proceeds would, in part, support environmental protection initiatives.
- Boulder: Nearly 70% of voters favored a proposed “climate tax.”
- Denver: Voters allowed the city to keep and spend excess funds raised from its 0.25% climate action sales and use tax and to continue to impose and collect that tax. About 69% of over 121,000 votes were in favor of Referred Question 2J. Additionally, more than two-thirds of voters said ‘yes’ to Initiated Ordinance 306, which would require apartment complexes, a range of businesses and other food waste producers to begin offering recycling and composting service.
Michigan
- Ann Arbor: Voters approved the Community Climate Action Millage, with 71% supporting it. The climate action tax will provide nearly $7 million per year for 20 years to help fund local climate efforts related to clean energy, waste reduction, sustainable food and more.
New York
About 59% of voters said yes to the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, to authorize the state to borrow $4.2 billion to advance clean buildings, busses and more.
Rhode Island
About two-thirds of voters approved $50 million in green economy bonds.
This article has been updated with information about Ann Arbor's climate action tax.