SPOKANE, Wash. — Congressman Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) is urging Governor Bob Ferguson to bring relief at the gas pump for families.
Specifically, he’s calling for a temporary halt on the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which currently adds an estimated 40 to 50 cents to the cost of a gallon of gas.
Drivers in Washington also pay 55.4 cents in gas tax per gallon. According to the Tax Foundation, that’s the third highest rate in the country behind California and Illinois.
A gallon of gas in Washington has risen 64 cents in the last month, according to Gas Buddy. The state average right now is $4.67 a gallon.
In Spokane, it’s $4.33 a gallon.
In a letter to the Governor, Rep. Baumgartner notes ‘skyrocketing crude oil prices caused by Iran’s hostile interference with international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.’
“Washingtonians are not just paying the price for Iran’s rogue behavior; they are paying a heavy premium driven by state policy,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “This climate change surcharge is little more than a vanity project designed to make people in downtown Seattle feel good about themselves, while severely penalizing working people across the rest of the state.”
Baumgartner says the high cost of fuel is compounding the cost of all goods and services.
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