With the 2018 midterm elections now over, support for a clean energy future appears to be marching forward despite mixed results.
This year’s election results show that some states and communities continue to lead in action on renewable energy investments. We’ve pulled out the top three big election wins for clean energy.
California keeps the gas tax
Californians rejected an effort to repeal Senate Bill 1, or “SB1”—putting a new, higher gas tax in place.
SB1 created the first increase on the tax in 23 years, raising the levy by $0.12 per gallon back in 2017. Money collected from the increase is earmarked for a wide range of road improvement projects, and efforts to empower sustainable transit.
According to a Los Angeles publication, Curbed, SB1 is now on pace to produce a projected $54 billion that will directly impact transportation infrastructure initiatives.
Florida says no to offshore drilling (and e-cigarettes)
In Florida, voters passed Amendment 9, nicknamed the “clean air, clean water” amendment. The ballot measure effectively placed a ban on all oil and gas drilling off the coast up to nine miles offshore—the maximum distance states may exert control.
As an added bonus, the same ballot measure also passed a ban on e-cigarettes within enclosed indoor workplaces.
Nevada ups its renewable energy commitment
Voters in the Silver State passed Question 6 on Tuesday night, which will require utilities acquire at least 50% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The initiative allows for renewable energy to include, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric sources.
In a big jump, Question 6 goes well beyond the state’s previous standard—a renewable energy increase to 25% by 2025.
All in all, we continue to move towards a greater renewable energy future—thanks to the action, votes, and support of tens of millions across the country. However, there is still much more to be done—from these 10 effective strategies individuals can take to help fight climate change to one simple way you can support clean energy anywhere. Each of our individual commitments to action helps us all!
