Audubon, at the national, state, and Black Hills chapter level, strongly support a carbon tax or fee to address climate change — a threat to our environment that is already making more likely severe storms, flooding, droughts, wildfires, and sea level rise. National Audubon scientists have determined that climate change is the greatest danger to avian wildlife. The study identifies 314 North American species of birds that are expected to lose more than half of their habitat by 2080. On the state level 189 Washington State species are similarly at risk, about half of the species found in the state.
Two major aspects of addressing climate disruption are (1) implementing measures to reduce the release of greenhouse gases that cause global warming and (2) preserving or managing habitat so that more species of birds and other wildlife can adapt to a new and ever-changing environment.
BHAS and Audubon Washington actively supported the Carbon Tax Initiative I-732, as well as the proposals from the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy and the Governor that were under consideration during the 2017 legislative session, including active lobbying at the 2017 statewide Audubon Lobby Day in Olympia. Audubon is also organized to protect and preserve strongholds that are scientifically identified to be likely to remain relatively stable for endangered species.