Jake: Maybe Jay Inslee should sit out of the ‘affordable energy’ conversation

Remember Jay Inslee? Former governor of Washington, now retired to posting hot takes online. His legacy is still very much felt here in the state — especially every time you pay an energy bill.

That’s what made his recent post so confusing to me.

While Trump drives up energy costs, we are fortunate to have state leaders leading the way in bringing clean, affordable energy to their citizens. https://t.co/CXC4uLOkm5

— Jay Inslee (@JayInslee) April 27, 2026

To be fair, his point about energy costs spiking due to the Iran war is valid. That’s real, and hopefully temporary.

But the tone of the rest of the post? That’s where his self-awareness is called into question.

Inslee — the man who signed the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) — wants to talk about “affordable energy.” In Washington. Reminds me of that Princess Bride meme.

Inslee’s climate legacy comes with a price tag

The CCA, which Inslee signed in 2021 and sold to the public as a modest cost to drivers, mere pennies per gallon, has added an estimated 40 to 60 cents per gallon on top of the state’s already heavy fuel taxes. Washington’s average gas price now sits roughly 40% above the national average.

We’re talking about one of the least affordable states in the country. Energy companies are warning customers of double-digit rate increases due to the CCA — costs that get passed straight to consumers, because that’s how business works.

Washington consistently ranks first, second, or third on the nation’s list of states with the worst gas prices, with prices running about $1.30 per gallon above the national average. Our direct neighbors are paying roughly a dollar less per gallon.

I’ve looked everywhere for this cheap, accessible energy Inslee is apparently seeing. Can’t find it. If the former governor knows where it is, the rest of Washington would love a tip.

Here’s an idea: add a button at the gas pump. If a customer wants to voluntarily pay a premium knowing it funds clean energy programs, let them opt in. See how that goes.

In the meantime, maybe Jay should sit this one out.

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