Internal reports from 2014 confirm what many have suspected. Governor Inslee’s chief policy advisor warned legislators that a cap-and-trade system would drive up gas prices by 44 cents per gallon under high carbon price scenarios. Despite this, the public was assured that the impact would be minimal if anything—a blatantly misleading assertion projected to be false then and known to be false now.

Friend, Are you feeling the pinch from rising fuel costs? It’s not just inflation—Washington’s cap-and-trade tax on fuel is also to blame. Despite assurances from state leaders that the CO2 emissions tax wouldn’t impact gas prices, documents reveal the truth: Governor Inslee and his state agencies knew these taxes would significantly raise costs for gas and diesel. Internal reports from 2014 confirm what many have suspected. Governor Inslee’s chief policy advisor warned legislators that a cap-and-trade system would drive up gas prices by 44 cents per gallon under high carbon price scenarios. Despite this, the public was assured that the impact would be minimal if anything—a blatantly misleading assertion projected to be false then and known to be false now. The real aim of cap and trade was always to make fossil fuels less affordable, pushing people towards alternative energy sources. Washington state made the effort dishonestly and wastefully, increasing costs for consumers significantly more than a similar effort in California did. The debate about environmental policies shouldn’t be shrouded in secrecy. At Washington Policy Center, we believe in clear, honest discussions and practical solutions. People deserve the truth so they can weigh the costs and benefits and come to their own decisions. To stay informed and get the real story behind this and other state policies, sign up for our free weekly newsletter. We’re committed to providing you with the facts and advocating for effective, transparent solutions. Best regards, David Boze Communications Director Washington Policy Center