California
- Prop 23 – REJECTED
Would have suspended implementation of the state’s landmark climate bill, AB 32.
This was the most important environment-related ballot initiative in the country this election. Environmentalists are psyched it’s been defeated. Read more. - Prop 25 – APPROVED
Will require a simple majority instead of a two-thirds vote of the legislature to pass budgets and budget-related legislation.
This will help fix the state’s legendary budget deadlock. The environmental community supported the measure. Chevron donated to defeat it. - Prop 26 – APPROVED
Will require that certain state and local fees and taxes be approved by two-thirds vote.
It may sound boring, but Jean Ross of the California Budget Project said “Prop 26 is the Polluters Protection Act of 2010.” Accordingly, Chevron gave big bucks to the Yes on 26 campaign. - Prop 21 – REJECTED
Would have increased vehicle license fees to fund state parks and wildlife programs.
Learn more from the Yes on 21 campaign. - Prop 22 – APPROVED
Will prohibit the state from borrowing or taking funds used for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects and services.
The Yes on 22 campaign argues that the measure will protect funding for public transit, parks, and other important local services. - Prop 19 – REJECTED
Would have legalized marijuana.
This would have let Californians grow their own local, organic pot.
Georgia
- Amendment 4 – APPROVED
Will authorize multiyear state contracts for energy efficiency and conservation projects.
Learn more from the Yes to Amendment 4 campaign.
Iowa
- Measure 1 – APPROVED
Will create a dedicated trust fund to improve water quality, protect wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, and create parks and trails.
Learn more from the Associated Press.
Maine
- Question 3 – APPROVED
Will issue a $9,750,000 bond to invest in land conservation and working waterfront preservation and to preserve parks, to be matched by $9,250,000 in federal and other funds.
Oregon
- Measure 76 – APPROVED
Will continue lottery funding for parks, beaches, wildlife habitat, and watershed protection beyond 2014.
Learn more from the Yes on 76 campaign.
Rhode Island
- Question 3 – APPROVED
Will fund improvements to state highways, roads, bridges, and bus fleet.
Learn more from the director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, who supports the measure.
- Question 4 – APPROVED
Will purchase and preserve coastal lands bordering Narragansett Bay.
Learn more from the Providence Journal. The measure was endorsed by the state Sierra Club as well as politicians and civic groups across the political spectrum.
Washington
- Initiative 1053 – APPROVED
Will require two-thirds vote of the state legislature, or a statewide vote, for tax increases.
Washington Conservation Voters opposed the measure. Learn more from the No on 1053 campaign.
- Initiative 1107 – APPROVED
Will repeal a sales tax on candy and bottled water and a temporary excise tax on soda pop.
Washington Conservation Voters opposed the measure. Learn more from the No on 1107 campaign.
- Referred Bill 52 – REJECTED
Would have authorized $505 million bonds to finance energy-efficiency projects in public schools and higher-education buildings, and continued the sales tax on bottled water that is set to expire in 2013.
Washington Conservation Voters supported the measure. Learn more from the Approve Ref. 52 campaign.
Were there important environment-related ballot initiatives in your state? Tell us in comments below.
