Opposition has popped up in the form of DEVELOPERS with substantial financial resources. They may attempt to mischaracterize the initiative and spread misinformation, but it’s essential to recognize their motives are driven by self-interest. Large-scale developers often prioritize profits over the well-being of vital community resources, like our watershed.
Everett 24-03 is not anti-development; rather, it aims to hold accountable those who harm our river and its ecosystem. Everett is ready for sustainable development that benefits everyone!
The Snohomish River and its watershed should not be exploited for individual gain. There are proven best practices for developers to follow, ensuring that our precious natural resources remain protected.
By voting YES on Everett Initiative 24-03, you contribute to the preservation of the Snohomish River Watershed, fostering a healthy environment, thriving economy, and vibrant community for future generations.
LIES!!!
Know the FACTS!
WHAT EVERETT INITIATIVE 24-03 REALLY DOES
FACT - Everett Initiative 24-03 : No Cost to Citizens or Higher Taxes
Everett Initiative 24-03 will not result in higher taxes or impose any financial burdens on the citizens of Everett. Instead, it enables the City of Everett to receive funds awarded from lawsuits against those who harm the watershed.
These funds are specifically designated for the City for watershed restoration. This initiative ensures that our natural resources are safeguarded without imposing any costs on taxpayers.
FACT - Everett 24-03 Supports Responsible Development
This initiative focuses on ensuring responsible development in Everett. The era of developers maximizing profits at the expense of our river and watershed is over.
The citizens of Everett can achieve a balance between housing and new development while maintaining a clean, safe Snohomish River Watershed. This approach guarantees a healthy environment and economic opportunities for generations to come. Read more about how affordable housing can be sustainable.
FACT - Support Everett 24-03: A Healthy River for a Thriving Economy
Iconic businesses like Boeing, Funko, and numerous local small businesses thrive in Everett thanks to the healthy Snohomish River and its watershed. Success doesn’t require harming our river; in fact, today’s companies can adopt sustainable practices that protect the environment while enhancing their operations. The potential for legal accountability encourages responsible river impacts, benefiting both the ecosystem and the businesses that rely on it.
Local industries—especially those focused on boating, fishing, kayaking, and eco-tourism—depend on a vibrant watershed to attract customers and promote growth. Passing this initiative would position Everett as a city that prioritizes its watershed and its future, drawing in new businesses.
Fact: Everett Initiative 24-03 Supports Water Recreation
Everett Initiative 24-03 does not seek to end boating or other recreational activities on the Snohomish River Watershed. Instead, it is designed to protect and preserve the watershed’s health, ensuring that these activities can continue sustainably for future generations.
Boating and recreational activities are essential to our community’s culture and economy. This initiative recognizes their importance and focuses on preventing harmful practices that could degrade the watershed’s quality. By granting legal standing to the watershed, it empowers the community to address significant threats, such as pollution and destructive development, while still supporting responsible recreational use.
Fact: Everett 24-03 is Not a Money Grab for Environmentalists
When community groups or individuals file lawsuits against bad actors harming the watershed, it’s crucial to understand that all restoration funds go directly to the City of Everett. There are no financial incentives for filing these lawsuits; those using the ordinance created by this initiative are focused solely on protecting our community resources.
We’ll say it again, ALL funds for restoration are allocated directly to the City of Everett.
So, who stands to profit if this initiative doesn’t pass? The developers who prioritize profits over sustainable practices that protect our community resources.
By supporting Initiative 24-03, we can prioritize the health of our watershed and community over profit-driven motives.
Fact: Initiative Does Not Encourage Frivolous Lawsuits
The assertion that this initiative promotes frivolous lawsuits against local residents is false. In fact, it empowers local residents by giving them a voice in protecting their Snohomish River Watershed. The initiative allows the community to have standing in court to sue anyone—including deep-pocketed developers—who cause harm to the river.
Frivolous lawsuits can occur with or without this initiative, and claims about burdening the court system aim to distract from the accountability that bad actors may want to avoid. The court system is designed to filter out frivolous lawsuits, ensuring that only those with credible evidence of harm move forward.
For more information on how the court deters frivolous lawsuits, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.
Fact: Everett 24-03 Does Not Lower the Burden of Proof for Lawsuits
Contrary to the opposition’s claims, Everett Initiative 24-03 does not eliminate the need for scientific evidence. The initiative specifies that while 100% scientific certainty is not required, credible scientific evidence is still necessary for any lawsuits to proceed.
If there is potential harm to this vital community resource, the community deserves a voice. Developers and others seeking to cause potential harm must demonstrate the safety of their actions. This approach not only prevents unnecessary lawsuits but also ensures that genuine concerns—even those not fully understood by current science—are addressed. This way, the community can act before irreversible harm occurs.
The initiative strikes a balance between protecting the watershed and respecting the rights of individuals and businesses, prioritizing the health of the watershed while allowing for responsible development and business activities.
Fact: Everett 24-03 Does Not Create Unfunded City Obligations
The claim that Everett Initiative 24-03 imposes unfunded obligations on the city or impacts its budget and administration is false. The initiative does not require the city to take action unless a lawsuit against an environmental offender is successful. In such cases, the city would only oversee the collection of funds for river restoration.
Importantly, all administrative and restoration costs would be covered by fines imposed on the violators, ensuring that the city incurs no financial or administrative burden. This initiative is designed to protect the watershed without straining the city’s resources.
Fact: Everett 24-03 Does Not Conflict with State Laws and Does Not Introduce More Burdensome Regulations
The assertion that Everett Initiative 24-03 conflicts with state laws is false. Importantly, the initiative includes a clause stating that it is preempted by existing state and federal laws, ensuring that it cannot conflict with those regulations.
The claim that Everett Initiative 24-03 does not create new standards is actually true, but it has no effect on making it easier to file lawsuits. In fact, the initiative intentionally avoids creating additional regulations. Businesses and residents do not need MORE regulations that add to the already confusing framework we have.
New regulations can impose unnecessary burdens on small businesses and residents, while large developments find their way around them. Furthermore, standards can fluctuate with changing political climates, putting the Snohomish River Watershed at risk.
This initiative aims to protect our watershed without complicating the regulatory landscape.
Fact: Everett 24-03's Scope is Deliberately Broad for Effective Watershed Protection
The claim that Everett Initiative 24-03 features undefined violations that are too broad is false. The initiative is intentionally designed to be broad to provide the necessary flexibility for addressing the complexities of protecting a dynamic and interconnected watershed ecosystem. While it may seem vague at first glance, the initiative establishes clear principles and rights for the Snohomish River Watershed, ensuring that its essential functions and integrity are protected.
Courts have a long history of interpreting and applying laws, including environmental ordinances, based on specific facts and established legal principles. In the case of this initiative, courts can reference existing environmental regulations and scientific standards for guidance and context during enforcement. Additionally, legal precedents and case law will help clarify the scope and application of the ordinance, ensuring effective enforcement aligned with its objectives.
Overall, while the initiative’s language may be broad, it provides a solid foundation for protecting the rights of the watershed. It can be enforced through established legal processes, taking into account the unique characteristics of the ecosystem and the principles of environmental law.