We urge a Yes vote on Proposition 1, also called Sound Transit 3 (ST3), in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. Transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in our region, and we cannot reduce carbon emissions without expanding electrified passenger rail. Sound Transit estimates that passage of Proposition 1 will reduce nearly 800,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. It estimates Proposition 1 will reduce vehicle miles traveled by as much as 400 million miles per year by 2040. Sierra Club believes it will be extremely difficult for Washington State to meet its carbon reduction goals without this plan.
Sierra Club members worked hard to convince the Sound Transit board to make the ST3 proposal greener and more sustainable, including adding more urban rail service and more support for transit-oriented development. If this plan fails, the state Legislature might not authorize a new proposal for many years, and any future package would likely be much less environmentally friendly.
Approving Sound Transit 3 — Regional Proposition 1 on your November ballot — is one of the boldest, most important and immediate steps we can take here at home to tackle the climate crisis, keep fossil fuels in the ground, and move our region beyond oil. Your help and support are needed to ensure this plan passes.