The January 17th Seattle Times front page article “Climate act repeal effort closer to making ballot in November” adds to why I intend to again file as a candidate for governor this summer. The 2021 Climate Commitment Act is another example of legislative misfeasance, “the doing of a lawful act in an unlawful or improper manner". While they were entitled to write the law, they did so with misleading claims about both the cost and the benefits.
The claim the costs would be minimal is belied by the fact “the auctions have raised an estimated $1.8 billion”. Those paying for their “greenhouse emissions” undoubtedly passed them on to those buying their products, presumably mostly Washington residents. Future auctions attempting to further reduce emissions will surely increase those costs.
Inslee claims it’s the most effective way for Washington to cut carbon emissions and encourage other states to follow suit. It’s not clear how much the $1.8 billion in auctions reduced the emissions and “unlikely” other state legislators will want to emulate Washington’s highest gas prices in the country. Many of his purported Climate Commitment Act benefits have little to do with the “Climate”. That “part of its value is cutting traffic congestion”, providing free transit for children, and utility assistance for nearly 2 million people.
What’s truly questionable are claims for the benefits. In 2022 the entire country emitted 12.6% of the total planet. Washington state’s emission made up 1.5% of the country’s or 0.22% of that total. Thus, any Climate benefit from Inslee’s Climate Commitment Act is limited to the benefit from reducing Washington’s 0.22% of the global C02. It’s exposing that reality in the “Voters Pamphlet” this year in support of the repeal effort is another reason why I will be filing for governor.
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