(The Center Square) – The Washington Secretary of State’s Office has formally certified Initiative 2117, which would repeal the state’s cap-and-trade program.
Critics of the environmental program say it’s created a “hidden gas tax.”
In 2021, the state Legislature enacted the Climate Commitment Act, which created a “market-based” carbon credit system where entities subject to the law have to buy “allowances” through an auction. Many have come to the conclusion that the program has indirectly caused the price of gasoline per gallon in the state to increase by more than 40 cents per gallon since it took effect earlier this year.
“This is a triple tax on consumers, adding costs at the gas pump, the grocery store, and on home heating bills,” Let’s Go Washington Founder Brian Heywood said in a statement. “The Legislature’s cap and tax scheme will not reduce even one ounce of carbon emissions. It has already taken a bite out of family budgets and put a heavy burden on commuters just so politicians can distribute feel-good subsidies to their political friends and allies. Voters have already rejected this tax on an advisory vote. It’s time to stop this tax for good. The Legislature should pass this initiative. If not, the voters will decide in November 2024.”
Let’s Go Washington has also turned in signatures for several other initiatives that would:
1) restore pre-2021 state law regarding police vehicular pursuits (already certified);
2) provide parents and guardians with a right to review educational materials, receive certain notifications, and withdraw from certain sexual health education programs;
3) allow certain people to opt out of the state’s mandatory long-term care tax;
4) repeal the capital gains tax; and
5) prohibit income taxes at the city and county level.
