Initiative 2117

Initiative Measure No. 2117 concerns carbon tax credit trading.

This measure would prohibit state agencies from imposing any type of carbon tax credit trading, and repeal legislation establishing a cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes [ ] No [ ]

BALLOT SUMMARY

This measure would prohibit state agencies from imposing any type of carbon tax credit trading, including “cap and trade” or “cap and tax” programs, regardless of whether the resulting increased costs are imposed on fuel recipients or fuel suppliers. It would repeal sections of the 2021 Washington Climate Commitment Act as amended, including repealing the creation and modification of a “cap and invest” program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by specific entities.

FIXING BAD POLICY

Senate Bill 5126 (2021): Also known as the Climate Commitment Act, this legislation created a cap-and-invest program for greenhouse gas emissions that resulted in a 50-cent-per-gallon increase in gas prices and a 62-cent-per-gallon increase in diesel when it was implemented starting Jan. 1, 2023.

OUR POSITION

• This initiative would repeal the state’s cap-and-trade program/Climate Commitment Act/or carbon tax. 
• Our state has an affordability crisis. The regressive carbon tax has increased the costs of food, gas and energy in our state. It comes at a great cost to individuals and families who are living paycheck-to-paycheck.
  • House Republicans want to fix the affordability crisis.
    • Our priorities/public affordability solutions.
• The Climate Committee Act offers little benefit to our state’s air quality or global emission reduction efforts.
• Video: House floor debate highlights on SB 5126 – Cap-and-trade/carbon tax (2021)