Resolution to the WA Democratic Party Convention, June 21:
Divest from Fossil Fuels to Mitigate Climate Change while Strengthening Pension Funds

Resolution to the WA Democratic Party Convention, June 21:

Divest from Fossil Fuels to Mitigate Climate Change while Strengthening Pension Funds

WHEREAS the scientific consensus is clear that the climate crisis poses an imminent and existential threat to human health, global ecosystems, and economic stability ((WMO), 2025);

WHEREAS rising greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, are the leading cause of global warming and extreme weather events, and the impacts such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, floods, sea level rise, and loss of biodiversity—disproportionately affect vulnerable communities and future generations;

WHEREAS immediate and sustained action is necessary to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement (United Nations - The Paris Agreement, 2025);

WHEREAS state and public pension investments in fossil fuel companies perpetuate reliance on nonrenewable energy sources and undermine efforts to transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy; and

WHEREAS at this time when the Trump administration is removing incentives for renewable energy and making deals with Chevron and other oil companies, divesting from fossil fuels and reinvesting public funds in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other Green New Deal projects, creating a state bank that invests in large-scale commercial, industrial, public, and residential building energy retrofits, building and expanding electrified mass transit, and climate mitigation infrastructure, clean air and water and other natural resources for public use, can accelerate the transition to a renewable energy future, create green jobs, and drive innovation.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED we call for all affiliated institutions, partners, and shareholders, including the WA State Investment Board, to identify and divest all direct and indirect holdings from fossil fuel companies within the next five years, including but not limited to coal, oil, and natural gas producers, suppliers, and their subsidiaries.

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED we call for prioritizing reinvestment of divested funds into socially responsible and sustainable sectors - including renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, energy storage, clean technology, and climate adaptation and mitigation projects - with clear environmental, economic, and social benchmarks, including emissions reductions, community benefits, job creation and local hire, public health outcomes, and equitable investment in disproportionately impacted communities.

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED this resolution be adopted by the Washington State Democratic Party and that this resolution be distributed to Governor Bob Ferguson and all of our elected representatives of the Washington State Legislature as a statement of our support and call to action.

Submitted by Sharon Abreu, State Committee Member for San Juan County, to the 40th LD Democrats for consideration at the June 21st Washington State Democrats Convention.

Sources:

“Protecting Our Assets, Protecting Our Asses: Public and Pension Investments in a World of Climate Crisis” by Jeff Johnson, President Emeritus of the Washington State Labor Council and Board Member, Labor Network for Sustainability (with Introduction by Rep. Pramila Jayapal). psara.org

“Washington Unions Say: Divest from Fossil Fuels to Protect State’s Assets” by Jeff Johnson. labor4sustainability.org