Carbon scheme unwise

Washington businesses operate successfully under some of the most stringent environmental rules in the world. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has now targeted around 130 industrial facilities operating in our state by wanting almost a billion dollars from a new carbon tax. Money better spent on innovation and reinvestment now must be spent by these businesses defending their right to exist.

The governor’s misguided proposal is cloaked under the guise of being “green,” but if his tax is imposed it will have the opposite effect. Washington operates some of the most efficient and clean facilities on the planet and sending these jobs out of state or overseas will actually increase carbon emission, waste and cost.

Our state industrial businesses generate millions in state and local taxes on top of the thousands of living wage jobs they create. Saddling Washington state firms with an additional cost not imposed on other domestic and international competitors will cause the loss of those jobs in Washington, hurting our state economy and national security.

Gov. Inslee’s carbon tax is a poorly thought out plan designed to vilify and exploit the undeserved reputation of our vital manufacturing industries.

Ted Cummings

Chattaroy