— from Dave Pringle for the Senate Democratic Committee —
[On Feb. 1, 2018], the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee passed Gov. Inslee’s carbon tax proposal, Senate Bill 6203. Washington state moved one step closer to being the first state in the country to pass a carbon tax of this kind. While this is the first step of several, it is a significant accomplishment moving closer to a clean and prosperous Washington for all.
“We have been working tirelessly over the years to make progress and, together with our tribal partners, the business community, labor, members of communities of color, nonprofits and concerned citizens have come together to take a major step in putting a price on carbon pollution in Washington state,” said Sen. Kevin Ranker, the number two sponsor of the bill.
“With Congress and the president still debating whether climate change is real, Washington state is taking action. I am proud to see us leading this discussion as we refine and perfect a system that will curb emissions and make critical investments in rural economies, new jobs and technology, clean air and water, land preservation and support for those impacted by climate change.
“Our moral responsibility compels us to move this legislation forward to ensure our state’s children have vibrant forests, clean water and air, and healthy communities.”
Ranker is a cosponsor of Senate Bill 6203, which was requested by Gov. Inslee to address climate change in Washington state. The bill will now move to the Senate Ways & Means Committee for further consideration before going to the floor for a vote of the full Senate.
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I might be mistaken but didn’t Washington voters vote this bill down last go around?
Second, how much will this tax increase the price of fuel ? (I’m hearing anywhere from 9-30 cents more a gallon). How much will this cost the Ferry System to operate? which in turn how much will the price to ride the ferry go up?
I’m sure Mr. Ranker has family members who commute or maybe they are all here on the Island. However what about the individuals who commute to and from? It seems to always be tax, tax and more taxes from both sides.
They say it will go towards our education system and infrastructure. Didn’t they say this exact same thing when we voted to legalize marijuana? the proceeds where supposed to go to education, public safety and infrastructure. How much revenue has San Juan County made since legalizing marijuana? I could be wrong but I was told San Juan County is in the top 5 with sales. So where is that money going?
I get it we all want a better environment, less carbon, plastics, coal, oil and all that other stuff that is bad. But if the voters did vote no on this bill and our State Leaders felt they should just push it through. Then why do we vote on these items.
I would like to see Mr. Ranker come out and tell what the Carbon tax is going to cost us. I often wonder if our Political Leaders think of the people they are supposed to represent when they conduct their business this way. Do they realize how this decision will impact everyone on the Island from the Stores all the way down to the residents who already struggle with the day to day finances.
I’d would also like Mr. Ranker to let us know how much revenue our county has made from the marijuana industry. I’m not trying to be negative just a few simple questions.