Jefferson County and Washington State are leading a transition from fossil fuel to electric vehicles. … It’s a rosy picture for some, particularly those able to afford a newer EV … But what about the remaining majority of our county’s populace? The many that drive an older gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle for financial reasons. Or […]
News
Welch: State carbon auctions’ billions a costly climate illusion
The Evergreen State, a place of stunning natural beauty and innovative spirit, finds itself entangled in an ambitious experiment, the Climate Commitment Ac, that increasingly resembles less a path to environmental salvation and more a significant burden on its hardworking citizens. While proponents laud the billions raised, a closer examination of the CCA reveals a […]
More pain at the pump: WA’s 6-cent per gallon gas tax hike now in effect
(The Center Square) – Motorists in Washington state are experiencing gas prices higher than the national average, in contrast to declining gas prices across much of the rest of the nation in recent months. As of Tuesday, Washingtonians are paying even more to fuel up. The state’s gas tax increased by 6 cents per gallon, […]
Washington’s CO2 tax jumps 16% in just three months to about 46 cents per gallon
The Washington State Department of Ecology released the latest CO2 allowance results that set the price of the state’s carbon tax — the price jumped 16 percent in just one quarter. This is equivalent to about an 85 percent inflation rate over a year. … That price equates to about 46 cents per gallon for […]
Washington lawmakers consider raising carbon standards for fuel, raising concerns about gas prices
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Lawmakers are considering stricter carbon standards for fuels used in cars and trucks. … Similar to the Climate Commitment Act, Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard sets targets over time to reduce carbon emissions from transportation fuels, with a marketplace of credits and deficits for fuel producers who are below and above the standards. […]
Washington drivers feel higher gas prices as carbon costs soar
Carbon prices for air pollution allowances have climbed again, impacting drivers with higher gas prices across the state. The Department of Ecology announced that allowances sold for $50 each at the March auction, a 24% increase from December. According to the Washington State Standard, this latest sale will generate an additional $230 million for the […]
Washington carbon auction prices rise again
Prices for air pollution allowances under Washington’s cap-and-trade law climbed again at the state’s first auction of the year. …. It’s the second auction in a row where prices were up, following a slump before voters rejected a ballot measure last year that would have repealed the law. Prices last September fell below $30 after […]
Washington farmers face challenges as Climate Commitment Act increases supply costs
WASHINGTON – The Climate Commitment Act, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is causing challenges for farmers in Washington. The act sets pollution caps for the state’s largest polluters. Bre Elsey, Director of Governmental Affairs with the Washington Farm Bureau, highlighted that while large-scale farmers receive exemptions, small and medium-sized farms are not benefiting. … […]
Make WA’s landmark Climate Commitment Act more accountable
Reducing carbon emissions is the fundamental goal of the state’s vanguard environmental policy known as the Climate Commitment Act. But measuring its success relies upon federal data that’s been taking years to compile and disclose. Results from 2021 were released earlier this month, an unacceptable lag that blinds Washingtonians from accurately assessing whether this consequential […]
Editorial: Washington’s carbon limits won’t help climate
Those opposed to green schemes that line some pockets and pick other pockets are called “climate deniers” by those who deny reality. Only reality deniers will see in the Washington Department of Ecology’s latest greenhouse gas inventory any sign the state is moving toward complying with its own carbon-reduction law. …. The problem is Washington […]