Amending a Florida city’s charter to include a right to clean water: an overwhelming yes.
Increasing income taxes on California’s wealthiest residents to pay for electric vehicles and wildfire prevention: a solid no.
Regulating groundwater extraction in southeast Arizona: yes and no.
Water, in different forms, was on the ballot in state and local races this year. Based on election night totals, voters approved most water-related initiatives.
State-level measures had mixed results.
In California, 59 percent of voters rejected Proposition 30, which would have established a trust fund for electric vehicle infrastructure and wildfire prevention by raising taxes on household incomes above $2 million a year.
Two other state initiatives were a success.
Fifty-nine percent of New Yorkers approved a $4.2 billion environmental bond. Projects eligible for funding include removing old dams, buying out flood-prone properties, improving water quality, conserving land, restoring wetlands, and planting trees in cities.
And in New Mexico, 65 percent of voters authorized a constitutional amendment that will allow the use of state funds to provide essential household services such as water, sewage, electricity, and internet. Before the amendment takes effect, the Legislature must pass laws that define eligible projects.
Local races also resulted in changes to foundational documents.
