Among the many measures laid out by Washington Democrats in a proposed $16 billion transportation package is a tax on refined fuel exported to states like Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. …
Washington state makes up 3.3% of the United States’ capacity for refined petroleum exports, according to 2019 data. … fuel exported outside of the state is exempt by law from that levy. The proposed transportation package from Democrats would repeal that exemption, passing the costs on to neighboring states that depend on fuel refined along the Puget Sound.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, over 90% of Oregon’s fuel comes from Washington, making it the state would likely be hit the hardest by a potential export tax. That had Oregon Governor Kate Brown speaking out against the proposal on Thursday following a conversation with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
“I spoke with (Gov. Jay Inslee) today and made very clear that Washington taking unilateral action to increase gas prices for Oregon families and businesses is unacceptable,” she said on Twitter. “Washington leaders should know their actions will impact Oregonians’ lives. Continued collaboration between our states will always lead to better outcomes for both Washington and Oregon.”
Others within Oregon’s state leadership expressed the possibility of taking action against Washington should the fuel tax be implemented.
“I suppose, if enacted, Oregon will look at ways to retaliate,” Oregon state Sen. Lee Beyer — who chairs the state’s transportation committee — told Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB). …
Read the Complete Article »