Letters Nov. 3

Saving the dams

Washington is home to three resident pods of killer whales that spend the summer feeding in Puget Sound. This year, they seem to be having trouble finding food, and whale advocates blame the dams on the lower Snake River for causing a decrease in fish supply.

As pressure mounts to tear out the dams, there will be a public hearing held in Spokane on Monday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the historic Davenport Hotel. Eastern Washingtonians have not had a chance to be heard on the issue. As multiple authorities – including NOAA – have studied the problem, they have concluded that taking out the dams will not affect the whales’ salmon supply.

The Snake River does not empty into the Sound; rather, the Sound is fed by the Fraser River of British Columbia. Contrary to the media hype, the fish supply from the Snake River is actually at record or near-record highs. In addition, tearing out the dams will have a devastating effect on farming along the river and will raise the risk of flooding in several local communities. If any readers believe in saving the dams, please take this opportunity to let your voice be heard.

Bethany G. Fletcher, Tekoa

Weaken big oil

“Syria’s war spurred by contest for gas delivery to Europe, not Muslim sectarianism.” The Oct. 27, 2016, Inlander, reporting on topic number eight, in the current report by Project Censored.

Is there anything that I can do to weaken the power of big oil?

When I can, I walk, instead of drive. When I vote, I vote for I-732.

Yes, it’ll hurt. That’s the price of war.

Wiley Hollingsworth,

Pullman

The ethical choice

Washington voters have the responsibility this election to cast their votes on the most important climate ballot measure in the country, Initiative 732. It has the potential to demonstrate a transparent and fair path forward for the nation. I-732 places a tax on greenhouse gas emissions, while reducing sales and B&O taxes and protecting farmers. This nonpartisan, market-based solution to pollution will result in cleaner air, healthier citizens and more jobs, all without raising taxes.

Washington State emits fewer greenhouse gases per capita than most other states. Some have used this fact to justify doing nothing or waiting for others to act, but the ethical choice is to act now.

Carbon pollution, both from dirty particulates and CO2 building up in the atmosphere, hurts everyone, including those who have not caused the problem.

In Washington State, we already experience impacts from climate change – more frequent fires, droughts and reduced snowpack. The cost of addressing these impacts should not be borne by the poor. That’s why I-732 includes a provision to fund the Working Families Tax Rebate, which the State legislature passed in 2008 but never funded. Passing I-732 will reduce tax inequity and help our state’s low-income working families and their children.

“There may be no greater, growing threat facing the world’s children – and their children – than climate change,” according to UNICEF. Children have not caused these problems, but they are suffering the consequences. Childhood asthma rates are increasing. Shouldn’t we act now to reduce this risk?

Trees, birds, shellfish, and other wildlife are also suffering from climate change, which they did not cause. A recent study found that nearly half of our native bird species, including osprey, are at risk if we fail to take action on climate. That’s why Audubon Washington and thirteen local Audubon chapters support I-732.

Let’s lead, not follow. Vote Yes on I-732, the ethical choice to help children, families, wildlife and the climate now.

Virginia Lohr,

Pullman