Support for Gas Tax Fading in Olympia As Legislature Kicks Off 2014 Session

Gov. Inslee's optimism isn't being reflected by the House and Senate as they convene in the state capitol.

It's been ten years since the last gas tax was passed in Washington state.  While both sides (GOP and Democrats) agree a transportation bill is needed to fix roads, bridges and other transportation issues,  it's HOW to get one done that's the sticking point.

Inslee last year hinted at a $.25 cent-per-gallon gas tax initially, but was met with a wall of resistance.   GOP leaders, during over a dozen negotiation sessions, had pushed for closer to $.10-11 cents, but also demanded a pledge from the governor not to adopt new and controversial fuel standards or a cap-and-trade plan.

Inslee favors a carbon tax, which GOP leaders refuse.  The Senate Coalition, or "The Coalition" as they are known in Olympia, absolutely refused to accept any idea of a environmental carbon tax on businesses.   These 25 senators comprise perhaps the most powerful political block in the state.

While Inslee is still hopeful of getting the transportation package passed,  comments by GOP leaders indicate it might be slipping away.  The Olympian Newspaper and NPR's KPLU Radio report why legislators are leery of slapping new taxes on motorists:

"Among things to consider is the fact this is an election year. There are also concerns about voter trust given ongoing problems with two Seattle-area mega projects: cost overruns on the 520 bridge replacement and a blockage that’s stopped progress on the tunnel along Seattle’s waterfront."

 

Despite these two projects being West-side, and largely ignored by our side of the state,  they are chewing up a huge chunk of state money, into the tens of millions of dollars.   Add to the voter mistrust the recent agreement Inslee signed with the governors of CA and OR and Premiere of British Columbia over eventually adopting new green fuel standards that could raise our prices $1.10 per-gallon at the pump.    Legislators are afraid if they pass a gas tax, Inslee might turn around in July and use an executive order to pass these new fuel standards.