A campaign bankrolled by the oil industry has raised $20.46 million to defeat a carbon-pollution fee on the ballot in Washington state aiming at tackling climate change.
The money raised so far by the “No on 1631” campaign sponsored by the Western States Petroleum Association, an oil industry trade group, puts it near the top in fundraising efforts by a statewide initiative campaign in Washington, according to a review of state campaign finance data by the Associated Press.
The state record of $22.45 million 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 United States to impose a direct carbon fee or tax by voter initiative.
The initiative 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 Phillips 66 the top donor at $7.2 million.
“This costly and flawed initiative would create damaging policies for our state and unfairly hurt Washington’s families, small businesses and our economy,” said Dennis Nuss, a spokesman with Phillips 66, which operates an oil refinery in Ferndale.