Overriding the voters

The Washington state Legislature is considering two bills, HB1110/SB5412 and HB2892, which will negatively impact the financial health of Washington residents. These two bills supposedly address clean fuels but, in fact, are a slap in the face of Washington voters and try to override the voters’ decision on a carbon tax.

In 2018, Washington voters overwhelmingly rejected I-1631, the latest carbon tax initiative. All Washington counties except three voted NO. Now the Legislature is trying to pass these two bills to override what the voters decided. If passed, it is estimated that these bills will add 50 to 60 cents additional fuel tax per gallon. In 2019, Washington had the fourth-highest fuel tax in the nation behind California, Pennsylvania and Illinois. These measures should put us into the national lead.

HB1110 has passed the House and its companion bill, SB5412, is being considered in the Senate. HB2892 has not passed the House, yet.

Contact your Washington House and Senate legislators right away and tell them to respect the will of the Washington voters and reject these bills.

Michael Scott

Snohomish