Warnick Calls For Washington's CCA Increase To Be Delayed

Washington state Senator Judy Warnick is calling on Governor Bob Ferguson to suspend the state’s Climate Commitment Act carbon pricing scheme before an automatic 2% gas tax-hike hits next week when July starts.

“I want the governor to understand the impact that these fuel charges have,” Warnick said. “He could take leadership and give us a break with fuel prices.”

The Moses Lake Republican added while national gas prices are dropping, state policies leave Washingtonians paying nearly a $1.40 above the national average.

“My constituents, a lot of them are agricultural users,” Warnick pointed out. “You have the diesel that you're buying for your tractors and diesel that you're buying for your trucks. We need some relief.”

Many in the farming community have been asking the state to suspend or delay CCA taxes and charges while fuel prices remain elevated. Currently, Washington diesel is $6.23 a gallon, while Oregon’s diesel price is $5.65 a gallon, and Idaho is now below the $5 mark at $4.97 a gallon.

"Washingtonians need and deserve the same relief,” said Warnick. “Governor Ferguson and his allies in the Democrat-controlled legislature must address the reality of the affordability crisis in rural Washington. When Washingtonians are paying some of the highest gas prices in the country, it isn't an accident; it’s a choice made by Olympia. It is time for Governor Ferguson to act and give our farmers, ranchers, and rural families the breathing room they desperately need."

By the way, New York, under the leadership of a Democrat governor, Kathy Hochul, and legislature, opted to pull back from its carbon scheme because of increased costs at the pump.

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