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 who live in rural areas less served by charging stations and that necessarily commute distances to employment, medical care, and shopping. Or who travel long distances for which an EV is not yet certain. Or that simply prefer the proven reliability and convenience of combustion technology. These folks pay a heavy price for our collective progress. For many working to make ends meet, it’s a significant burden.
Washington was the only state in June with gasoline prices that were higher than one year ago. … Washington held the third-highest gasoline price in the country, behind only California and Hawaii. …
These prices reflect an additional six-cents-per-gallon state gas tax that started July 1, and increase projected to raise more than $3.2 billion over the next six years, according to KOMOnews.com. …
But true gas taxes are not the only driver of our fuel prices. About half of the extra pain at the pump in Washington is due to the electrification progress of which many are so proud. I refer to the additional “de facto” gas tax imposed on Washington consumers — both those buying fuel at the pump and those buying groceries trucked in using that expensive fuel — by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
The CCA is designed to discourage the use of fossil fuels by requiring industries responsible for CO2 emissions to buy carbon credits. It does not take a doctorate in economics to understand that these costs on petroleum companies pass down to their end customers. Washington’s latest carbon auction generated $322 million — bringing total revenue to nearly $3.2 billion since inception in January 2023. …
Are the gains worth the cost? It likely depends on who you ask. But I would wager that many rural working people would sooner see an approximate 50 cent/gallon reduction in their fuel costs and lower costs for groceries that are trucked into our communities.
Marcia Kelbon is an attorney and engineer based in Quilcene.
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