Foes of WA initiative to repeal climate law fined 20K for campaign finance violations

Green Jobs PAC, which campaigned against Initiative 2117 to repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act, was fined $20,000 for campaign finance violations. The state Public Disclosure Commission found the committee failed to disclose $1. 1 million in expenditures until after the election, depriving voters of crucial information. The group's attorney characterized the violation as a clerical mistake, asserting there was no intent to mislead. Green Jobs PAC's major contributors included bp America, which donated $2 million, and Amazon, contributing $1 million, bringing total campaign funds to $3.

2 million. The commission's investigation followed a complaint from Let’s Go Washington, a conservative group that backed the repeal, which was ultimately rejected by 62% of voters. Half of the fine is suspended, contingent on the committee's compliance with campaign finance laws over the next four years. This ruling reflects ongoing scrutiny of campaign finance practices in Washington, as highlighted by recent penalties against other organizations for similar violations. The commission's actions aim to ensure transparency and accountability in political financing.