Gov. Inslee Steamrolls Legislature With New Pollution Rules, Targets Wallula

Because the legislature didn't give him what he wanted, the man who says he wants to the known as the 'greenest' governor in U.S. history is going to get his way...sort of.

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting and other sources, Thursday state environmental officials are going to adopt a new series of rules requiring the states largest 'polluters' to take steps to reduce their carbon emissions.

These rules are being enacted by state environmental officials after the legislature soundly rejected Inslee's plan for a carbon pollution tax, similar to what's happening in California. This tax was related to Inslee's plan that would have raised gas prices as much as $1 a gallon.

According to ShiftWA, Inslee has had this idea in the works since the summer, after the legislature failed to pass his damaging agenda. Among the companies that are expected to be impacted by this plan are Boise Cascade in Wallula.

It is not known if Boise will make plans to eventually relocate elsewhere. But seeing the writing on the wall, Alcoa, the aluminum giant, has already made plans to close plants in Wenatchee and Ferndale WA, potentially costing the state thousands of jobs. Inslee refuses to realize these pollution taxes, because that's what they really are, will drive away businesses to other states, and cause the economy to suffer.

But Inslee owes most of his political success (based upon campaign financing and support) to environmental groups, and now he must be their puppet when it comes to his policies concerning the environment.

Also, I-732, which voters will decide upon in November, is a carbon tax that many environmental groups don't even support, because proposed pollution taxes won't even be used for environmental purposes. Instead, the plan is actually a redistribution of wealth, with the money be given to the reportedly 'poorest' families in Washington state.

To voice your opinion about these controversial carbon emissions ideas, call the Department of Ecology at 360-407-6000.