REI Co-op Urges Washington Voters to Reject Ballot Initiative 2117

As a co-op, we often ask our members, employees and broader community to support policies that enable everyone to enjoy time outside. In recent years, we’ve collectively supported the protection of 246 million acres of U.S. lands and waters; $45 million in federal funding for safe trails to bike and run; and more than $1 billion in funding for state parks.   

Today we are raising our collective voice in opposition to Washington Ballot Initiative 2117. If ratified by voters in a few weeks, I-2117 would strip billions of dollars in climate investments across our home state—draining programs that support air quality, transportation, wildlife habitats, wildfire prevention, recreation infrastructure, and the health of our public lands and waters.  

Worst of all: These funding cuts would disproportionately impact Washington’s working families, Tribal Nations and communities of color.  

The risks of I-2117 are so vast that more than 450 groups across Washington have united in opposition—from firefighters, Tribal nations, labor unions, teachers, farmers, fishers, and doctors, to companies large and small. The risk is so great that environmental groups and oil companies are working together to defeat the initiative. 

We call on our employees, members, customers and broader community to vote “No” on I-2117.  Take action with our Cooperative Action Network by pledging to vote “No,” here.

About the REI Co-op