At a Glance

Decisions could have significant repercussions on the land where we cast our votes.Western states,in particular, are hotbeds for contentious energy and environmental issues.

A number of energy and environmental issues are being decided at the state level during midterm elections tomorrow, decisions that could have significant repercussions on the land where we cast our votes.

Western states,in particular, are hotbeds for contentious energy and environmental issues.

Here are some of the issues on state ballots this midterm election:

Alaska, Ballot Measure 1:Salmon at Stake

addresses salmon habitat protections and permits.

If passed, this measure would establish new requirements anda new permitting processfor any projects affecting bodies of water "related to the activity and habitat of salmon, steelhead or otheranadromous fish."

It will also prohibit any projects or activity determined to cause "significant and unrestorable damage to such fish habitats."

Arizona, Proposition 127: Renewable Energy Ramp Up

addresses renewable energy standards.

A "yes" vote wouldrequire Arizona utilities to increase the amount of renewable energy it contributes to the grid from 12 percent in 2020 to 50 percent in 2030. Currently, the state is targeting 15 percent renewable energy on its grid by 2025.

Colorado, Proposition 112: Where Can Companies Frack?

(Steve Nehf/Getty Images)

addresses distance requirements for new oil, gas and fracking projects.

If passed, the measure would require new oil and gas development projects, including fracking projects, to be aminimum of 2,500 feet from occupied buildings and other areas designated as vulnerable.

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Florida, Amendment 9: Offshore Drilling Along Florida's Coasts

(Paranyu Pithayarungsarit/Getty Images)

is a rather strange measure that addresses both vaping in the workplace and offshore oil and gas drilling.

The measure, if passed, would both ban vaping in indoorworkspaces and ban offshore drilling from 9 miles off the western and southern coastlines and at least 3 miles off Florida's east coast.

Voters cannot vote for one or the other because they are bundled together as one item.

Georgia, Amendment 1: How to FundLand Conservation

(W. Drew Senter, Longleaf Photography/Getty Images)

addresses tax revenue used for land conservation.

If passed, the amendment authorizes the legislature to dedicate up to 80 percent of revenue from the sales and use tax on outdoor recreation equipment to the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund to fund land conservation.

Montana, I-186: Standards For Future Hard Rock Mines

(Chris Boswell/Getty Images)

addressesrequirements for permits and reclamation plans for new hard rock mines.

According to the ballot, a yesvote supports the "ballot initiative to establishnew requirementsfor a hard rock mine permits based on standards for water quality in land restoration plans."

If passed, the measurewould "require the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to deny permits for any new hard rock mines if the mine's reclamation plan does not "contain measures sufficient to prevent the pollution of water without the need for perpetual treatment,"including "activities necessary to treat acid mine drainage or perpetual leaching of contaminants, including arsenic, mercuryand lead."

Nevada, Question 3: State Utility Regulation

addresses changes to the energy market and state-sanctioned electric-generation monopolies.

If passed, the measure wouldrequire thestate legislatureto pass laws to establish “an open, competitive retail electric energy market,” prohibit the state from granting electrical-generation monopolies and protect “against service disconnections and unfair practices."

It would also declarethat persons, businessesand political subdivisions have a “right to choose the provider of its electric utility service” and cannot be forced to purchase electricity from one provider.

Nevada, Question 6: Electric Utilities and Renewable Energy

addresses renewable energy standards.

The initiative, if passed, requires electric utilities to acquire 50 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2030.

Washington, Initiative 1631: Emissions Fees Standards For Businesses

(georgeclerk/Getty Images)

addresses fees for carbon emissions.

If voters decide to vote yes on the initiative, the state would enacta carbon emissions fee of $15 per metric ton of carbon emitted by businesses, beginning on Jan. 1, 2020.

The fee would increase by $2 annually until the state'sgreenhouse gas reduction goalsof 2035 are met (reducing emissions to those of 1990)and the 2050 goals (half the emissions of 1990) are on track to be met.Revenue generated would be used to fund variousprograms and projectsrelated to the environment.