2024 Conservation Awards and Vote NO on Initiative 2117

by Bob Phreaner

At our June 19, 2024 chapter meeting, OPAS recognized Ed Bowlby and Mary Sue Brancato with our 2024 Conservation Awards. Please read their Award Certificates to appreciate the scope of their accomplishments.

Mary Sue still travels the underdeveloped world to teach management of oil spills in the marine environment, ocean acidification, and climate change mitigation solutions for NOAA. Her last assignment to Mindanao in the Philippines required US Embassy personnel for her security detail. Her dedication is certainly putting service above self. Ed is the current president of Olympic Climate Action which continues to be a valuable local resource for our OPAS Conservation Committee with the common objective of gathering and sharing the best available science on the probable impacts of climate change on the Olympic Peninsula. Ed and Mary Sue are OPAS leaders promoting conservation through education, volunteering, and stewardship in our civilization’s struggle against anthropogenic climate chaos.

Your OPAS Conservation Committee is urging our membership to Vote NO on Initiative 2117 on the November Washington State ballot. Washington has one of the strongest emission reduction policies in the nation. Initiative 2117 would repeal the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which works to cap and reduce harmful emissions while raising revenue for investments that address climate change. It raised $1.8 billion in 2023 through quarterly auctions in which emissions allowances are sold to businesses covered under the CCA. Audubon Washington supports the NO on 2117 campaign, recognizing the CCA’s role in reducing climate warming emissions, promoting clean energy solutions, and advancing environmental equity.

Visit the Audubon Washington campaign resources page today to discover how you can contribute to preserving our state’s environmental future.