Washington voters uphold landmark climate law against challenge from conservatives

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Voters in Washington state have upheld a groundbreaking law that is forcing companies to cut carbon emissions while raising billions of dollars for programs that include habitat restoration and preparing for climate change. The election result on Tuesday means the 2021 Climate Commitment Act remains in place. It is one of the most progressive climate policies ever passed by state lawmakers. It faced a repeal effort from conservatives who say it has ramped up energy and gas costs in Washington, which has long had some of the highest gas prices in the nation. The law requires major polluters to pay for the right to do so by buying “allowances.”