The State House passed 3SHB 1091 on Feb. 27 which would create a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). The measure moved forward following hours of debate and a variety of technical amendments. Prior to the 52-46 vote, Republican lawmakers unsuccessfully sought to add several amendments, including one that would preserve a provision in the 2015 […]
News Stories
Washington farm groups skeptical about promised clean fuels bonanza
OLYMPIA — Washington House Democrats are again moving to adopt a low-carbon fuel standard, and farm groups continue to be among those pushing back. The policy requires gasoline and diesel to have more alternative fuels such as ethanol and renewable diesel. Supporters say the mandate fights climate change and creates markets for farmers. Northwest Agricultural […]
Governor’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Legislation Garners Low Enthusiasm from Local Legislator
… “We have to be cognizant, as legislators, of our lower income families and families that struggle just to make it into work,” said Rep. Steele. “This low carbon fuel standard does drive up the cost of fuel.” … The bill has made it to the House floor and failed several times in the past. […]
How the low-carbon fuel standard may hurt working class families
Governor Inslee and Democrats in Olympia are once again pushing a low-carbon fuel standard, in an effort to encourage greener options in the state fuel market. But critics argue that it will greatly cost the state and have little return on investment. Randy Pepple is with the group Affordable Fuel Washington and joined the Dori […]
Stakeholders: LCFS goals questionable, benefit claims “not supported by data”
Proposals in previous years to create a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) have managed to clear the House before stagnating in the Senate Transportation Committee or elsewhere. While the latest proposal via HB 1091 may also clear the House this session, the expected increase to gas prices as a result may be too much for […]
LCFS, round 4
For the past four consecutive legislative sessions, lawmakers have introduced proposals to impose a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in Washington state. … Much of the discussion during a Jan. 14 public hearing on the bill in the House Committee on Environment & Energy rehashed arguments made in years past by both proponents and critics. […]
Capital gains tax, LCFS within reach next session
Democrat lawmakers and Governor Jay Inslee for years have sought to enact a variety of tax and regulatory proposals that have failed due to bipartisan opposition from key legislators in both chambers. However, the Nov. 3 election concluded with four incumbents trailing their opponents, which could result in an overall stronger Democrat majority in both […]
New Clean Air Rule proposal could be costly for consumers
While scores of truckers, loggers and other stakeholders testified this week against ESHB 1110 which would create a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), its sponsor Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-34) has also sponsored a new version of previous Clean Air Rule legislation that would give the state Department of Ecology broad authority to authorize an LCFS—and more. The proposal, HB 2957, was […]
HB 1110 and SB 5412, the high costs and small environmental benefits of a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
Key Findings Low-carbon fuel standards (LCFS) have been tried in British Columbia, California, and Oregon and the results consistently show high costs and small environmental benefits. Using existing prices from California, the LCFS in Washington would cost about 36 cents per gallon of gas when fully implemented. The LCFS is also about 29 times as […]
Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce takes political stance against clean fuel bill
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake’s Chamber of Commerce wasn’t guarded when it revealed its stance against a clean fuel bill it says could be costly to Washingtonians on both sides of the mountains. … “Employers will pay more to get their goods to market. Employees will spend more to get to work. Families will face […]