Bill > HJM4003

This Joint Memorial urges the United States government to formally participate in the development of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is a proposed international agreement aimed at managing a global shift away from coal, oil, and gas. The memorial highlights the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change, the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid catastrophic warming, and the existing impacts of climate change in Washington State, such as heat domes and flooding. It also emphasizes that the Paris Climate Agreement, a major international accord on climate change, does not directly address the production of fossil fuels, which are the primary source of pollution. The memorial argues that a clean energy transition offers greater economic opportunities than continued reliance on fossil fuels and notes that numerous countries, international bodies, and subnational governments, including some in the United States, already support the idea of a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. The Washington State Legislature, having previously enacted legislation to address climate change and reduce emissions, formally endorses this treaty initiative, agreeing with the principle of ending new fossil fuel exploration and expansion and advocating for a planned phase-out of existing production that prioritizes workers and communities with investments and labor protections. Copies of this memorial are to be sent to various U.S. government officials, including the President and members of Congress, as well as to the United Nations.