Voters Approve Nearly $1 Billion for Environmental Protections

Environmental measures won support in the midterm elections, with voters approving nearly $1 billion for clean water, river restoration and conservation, including a $500 million Arkansas water-infrastructure bond and funding for projects in Iowa and Pennsylvania. Voters also backed measures for clean energy and community resilience, while rejecting Colorado’s proposal to enshrine a right to natural gas and, in California, appearing likely to reject an overhaul of environmental review rules. Eugene, Oregon, approved a corporate tax to fund clean-energy projects. The results also included resistance to data centers and other development proposals, although election coverage noted that affordability and other concerns often dominated campaign messaging. Environmental advocates said Democratic gains could create new opportunities for climate legislation and stronger accountability for polluters.