Microsoft and REI support proposed carbon fee

In Washington, the first carbon fee anywhere in the U.S. could become reality in Washington State where voters will decide on election day if they want companies to pay a carbon emissions fee of $15 per metric ton of carbon. Washington-based companies like REI, Expedia, Microsoft and Northwest Energy are supporting the measure in order to meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

If passed, the fee would start in 2020, with an increase of $2 annually until the state’s GHG reduction goals are met, and the money would go to support communities that are impacted by rising energy costs and environmental programs, and to fund clean energy investments.

“One of our guiding principles at Expedia Group is a bias toward action, and so we are proud to support I-1631 as part of [our] broader goal to balance the carbon impact of travel with proactive efforts to keep our air healthy for future generations,” Maureen Thon, senior manager for corporate communications at Expedia, told Sustainable Brands.

Some out of state fossil fuel companies, however, are dropping in millions of dollars to oppose the bill. The Western State Petroleum Association alone has raised more than twice as much from fossil fuel supporters as the initiative’s backers.