News Stories

House passes LCFS bill amid concerns over cost, program effectiveness

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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