Americans for Prosperity-Washington (AFP-WA) and Future 42 will be rolling back the price of gasoline to $3.82, the national average for a gallon of gas, at a gas station in Kent on Wednesday to highlight this stark difference and the true cost of Washington’s policies. Attendees will not only be able to get cheap gas, but also learn about a new lawsuit that has been filed by Citizen Action Defense Fund challenging the 2021 transportation package, that increased driver’s license fees and allowed for the cap and trade and low-carbon fuel programs, that if successful could dramatically lower these costs; and about Initiative 2117 that is collecting signatures that would both repeal the cap and tax system which will lower gas prices and prohibit state agencies from imposing any type of future carbon tax credit trading/cap and trade program.
The state’s new Cap and Trade climate emissions law has Washingtonians paying more and getting less. Gas prices have skyrocketed to more than five dollars per gallon, over $1.20 more than the national average. Meanwhile, Governor Inslee claims his new expensive cap and trade and carbon tax would have “minimal impact, if any” on consumers. But the state’s new carbon pricing system has forced gas prices up, making gas among the most expensive in the nation.
Policy decisions like this new law that was implemented in January have real life impact. High prices for gas and now home heating bills are having a disproportionate impact on low-income workers and families that are struggling to pay needed bills for necessities. The Governor and those legislators that voted for this new law knew it would hurt the middle class and the most vulnerable in our state while also not benefiting the environment but advocated for it anyways. And now Washingtonians who are struggling with day-to-day living expenses have a much harder task.
