‘It hasn’t gotten better’: Republican senator urges Ferguson to pause Climate Commitment Act

A state senator is calling on Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to temporarily suspend the state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA), saying it’s driving up gas prices.

Republican Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, said Washington drivers are paying about $1.20 more per gallon than the national average. He wrote a letter to Ferguson requesting that he pause the CCA.

“Everything in Washington state is uniquely expensive, whether it’s housing or childcare, but especially gas,” Gildon said, according to Senate Republicans.

Climate Commitment Act adds roughly 55 cents a gallon, Gildon says

Gildon estimates that suspending the carbon-cap program could cut about 55 cents off every gallon of gas.

“Experts down in Olympia tell me that could start having an impact on people’s pockets within a matter of just a couple of weeks,” he said.

Gildon pointed out Ferguson acknowledged more than a year ago that living in Washington is unaffordable.

“It hasn’t gotten better, and the cap-and-tax approach in the CCA is among the reasons,” Gildon stated in a news release. “He should put that policy on pause until economic conditions stabilize and fuel prices return to more sustainable levels.”

Gildon said Ferguson can pause the law, which he inherited from former Washington Governor Jay Inslee, by simply declaring an emergency. He said the cost of buying carbon allowances skyrocketed Washington gas prices and unfairly put the burden on working families, commuters, seniors, and small businesses.

Supporters said the CCA is critical to the state’s climate goals.

MyNorthwest has reached out to Ferguson’s office for comment.