Inslee said Monday he did not agree with the provisions tying the climate policies to the gas tax increase, but he would not say whether he would be vetoing those lines. The state would receive the revenue generated from those allowances, which it would use to invest in programs that help the environment and communities disproportionately affected by climate change, such as people of color and low-income earners.īoth the clean-fuels standard and the cap-and-trade program that passed over the weekend come with a tie to a 5-cent gas tax increase, meaning neither would go into effect until lawmakers pass a new transportation revenue package. If they can’t meet the cap, they could either clean up their work or purchase allowances from the state. The cap-and-trade program that passed this year would set a cap on emissions that large polluters in the state would have to meet by 2023. If they can’t, they would be required to purchase “credits” to make up for emissions that go above the allowed amount. Fuel companies can either clean up their fuels by producing biofuels or mixed fuels. Washington joins California, Oregon and British Columbia in adopting a clean-fuels standard, similar to what Inslee has introduced.īeginning in 2023, fuel companies in Washington must start reducing emissions a little bit each year in order to hit a statewide goal of emissions 20% below 2017 levels by 2038. In the final days before the voting deadline, lawmakers reached deals on both climate bills. ![]() Some also worried that businesses targeted by pollution caps would leave the state.īut something changed this year. The proposals have been complicated and controversial, with opponents saying they would increase fuel prices and the general cost of living for residents. In 2014, Inslee laid out plans to cut carbon emissions by implementing a “cap-and-trade” proposal that would collect a carbon tax on industries that pollute. In 2012, Inslee campaigned for a low carbon fuel standard, which he said would encourage the use of fuels that have less effect on the climate. His unsuccessful presidential campaign was dedicated to raising awareness on climate change, but until this year, no major policy changes on the issue had passed the Legislature. Since taking office eight years ago, Inslee has pushed for passage of proposals that would lower the state’s carbon emissions and help fight a changing climate. “Their efforts were so broad in the number of things that they worked on in such difficult circumstances in the middle of the pandemic,” he said. ![]() ![]() Inslee told reporters Monday he had “never seen a legislative session that was so productive.” Pushed by Inslee, Democrats made last-minute deals on climate change, capital gains, police accountability and drug possession. Jay Inslee scored big wins in the Legislature this year.Īside from addressing COVID-19 recovery and response, the Democratic-led Legislature passed many long-awaited, consequential proposals. OLYMPIA – After campaigning on carbon restrictions and pushing for a capital gains tax for two terms, Gov.
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