Resolution 972 – Calling for Curtailment of U.S. Military Activity in Response to the Climate Crisis
1 WHEREAS Democrats acknowledge the urgent need to significantly cut carbon
2 dioxide emissions to adequately address the climate crisis;
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4 WHEREAS the U.S. military is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide;
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6 WHEREAS over $6 trillion was spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that
7 could have been spent on transitioning the U.S. economy and society off fossil fuels
8 through, among other things, the creation of well-funded, well-organized Just
9 Transition programs;
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11 WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear how the misuse of funds by
12 the Department of Defense has resulted in the inability of the U.S. government to
13 respond to the needs of the American people when faced with a real emergency
14 situation, which could potentially also result from climate disruption; and
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16 WHEREAS “Just Transition” programs are needed at this time to prepare
17 working Americans for union jobs in fields that are both economically and
18 environmentally sustainable;
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20 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Washington State Democratic
21 Central Committee, support the immediate reduction of U.S. military activity and
22 spending, and reallocation of funds to “Just Transition” programs, the creation of
23 energy efficiency jobs, and climate change mitigation;
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25 THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED a copy of this resolution will be sent
26 to our U.S. Senators and all of the Washington State members of the U.S. House of
27 Representatives; and
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29 THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we, the Washington State
30 Democratic Central Committee, urge our elected federal officials to immediately
31 prioritize the creation, organization and funding of Just Transition programs for
32 jobs that will be eliminated in the U.S. military in Washington State and across the U.S.
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34 Submitted by the Washington State Progressive Caucus Chair Keoki Kauanoe 08112020.