Local

Historic step for carbon tax in Washington Legislature

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A historic moment is at hand in the local fight against climate change. For the first time, a carbon tax has passed out of the Senate Energy C committee in the Washington State Legislature. And supporters say this is likely the first time a carbon tax has passed a legislative committee anywhere in the country.

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​Those fighting climate change have long wanted a tax on the carbon in fossil fuels to discourage their use, or at least provide an incentive to make the fuels cleaner.

The lead sponsor is Seattle Democrat Sen. Reuven Carlyle.

"The fact of the matter is that taking a bold stand on climate change and doing what we can as a state to be responsible and thoughtful is what this legislation all about," said Carlyle.

The carbon tax would add an additional 9 cents a gallon beginning in 2019. The tax would go up each year until it reached a cap of 30 cents a gallon. There would be rebates for low-income citizens.

But it already costs Conor McKnight $50 to fill up his truck. "Don't like it. Pay enough as it is. I won't want to pay more," he said. 

Joseph Walker said every trip to the pumps costs him at least $20, but he's OK with a carbon tax that fights climate change. "I think it's a good idea, think that's an important thing to do."

Opposing senators savaged the carbon tax.

"If you are a person in Washington State who works for a company that manufactures a product, if this bill passes there is a very good chance you will no longer have a job," said Ferndale Sen. Doug Ericksen.

We met a pleased Gov.Jay Inslee, who was optimistic while he toured a zero-energy townhouse development in Issaquah. 

"It has every prospect of (passing the Legislature) in part because we're getting bi-partisan support. In part because are both realizing the benefits of getting clean energy," said Inslee. 

Carlyle said the carbon tax has gotten to the equivalent of first base in a baseball game. There is a long way to go.

The Senate Ways and Means committee is scheduled to hear it next week.