Governor Inslee’s new program to subsidize the purchase of electric vehicles is so wasteful at reducing CO2 emissions, it is the equivalent of paying that absurd amount for a 16-ounce latte. On Earth Day, Governor Inslee announced a $45 million program to subsidize the purchase or lease of electric vehicles, targeting those making up to $93,600 per year for a family of four. The program pays up to $9,000 for a lease of three years or more and $5,000 for a purchase or two-year lease.

Friend, Did you know Governor Inslee's electric vehicle subsidy is as wasteful as paying $1,125 for a latte, then paying that outrageous price again for another 8,000 people? And you are paying for it. That's not just frothy math – it's a wake-up call to rethink our environmental policies. Demand practical solutions, not pricey waste. Governor Inslee’s new program to subsidize the purchase of electric vehicles is so wasteful at reducing CO2 emissions, it is the equivalent of paying that absurd amount for a 16-ounce latte. On Earth Day, Governor Inslee announced a $45 million program to subsidize the purchase or lease of electric vehicles, targeting those making up to $93,600 per year for a family of four. The program pays up to $9,000 for a lease of three years or more and $5,000 for a purchase or two-year lease. The state estimates the subsidy could reduce up to 24,000 metric tons of CO2 over the life of the program, with about 8,767 people receiving rebates. Each vehicle purchase would reduce 3.65 metric tons of CO2, amounting to a virtually insignificant reduction in state transportation-related CO2 emissions—just 0.03%. The cost? An outrageous $1,875 per metric ton of CO2 reduced, compared to the state’s CO2 price of $25.76. Worse, anyone can invest in projects that reduce CO2 emissions for $10 per metric ton. This means the EV subsidy is 187 times more expensive than alternative options, akin to paying $1,125 for a $6 latte. This $45 million could have doubled the budget for salmon recovery projects, which offer tangible environmental benefits. Instead, this program’s minimal impact is negated by the state’s cap on CO2 emissions, allowing emissions to rise elsewhere. Washington deserves practical, effective environmental policies. Let’s prioritize the planet over politics and make sure the costs are worth the benefits. Stay informed and make your voice heard. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest on policies that impact your day-to-day life. Together, we can demand better solutions. David Boze Communications Director Washington Policy Center