Gov. Inslee continues carbon tax sales pitch

On Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that his new carbon tax bill is about job creation.

Inslee’s 2018 State of the State speech

“This project is about building jobs, including in rural areas,” he said. “So this is an investment strategy as much as it is a revenue strategy.”

Speaking Tuesday morning during a Senate Energy, Environment & Technology Committee meeting, Gov. Inslee says that Washington state is following the lead of other states countries around the world.

“I am comforted also to know that the things we are proposing have been successfully implemented in many, many, many countries and states which have successfully reduced carbon pollution while growing their economy.”

While that may be true, it is important to remember that one of the leading revenue strategies over the next 20-plus years recommended by the Puget Sound Regional Council is a carbon tax on fuel, the Daily Herald first reported. The state needs about $40 billion to meet the Puget Sound region’s infrastructure needs, including maintaining I-5 and preserving bridges.

Gasoline prices could increase 6 to 9 percent if the bill is passed and would raise $3.3 billion in revenue over four years. State Senator Doug Erickson says a carbon tax would raise fuel prices by about 20 cents in the first day.

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