Latest news with #ClimateCommitmentAct
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A promise fulfilled
May 21—OLYMPIA — Washington farmers were promised fuel exemptions from the state's Climate Commitment Act, and four years after its initial passage, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1912, which facilitates fuel exemptions for farmers under the CCA. "Washington's agriculture is among the best in the world because of the hard work of Washington farmers," Governor Ferguson said in a statement. "Our agricultural industries operate on thin margins, and they can't afford to pay unnecessary fees." The bill's sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, emphasized the necessity of the legislation as an important support mechanism for Washington's agricultural community, which continues to face mounting operational challenges. "The legislature promised our agricultural industry this exemption when the Climate Commitment Act was originally passed," Dent said. "It was time we honored that promise to make it easier for farmers to access lower-cost fuel and lower the costs of fuel for our farmers." History The Climate Commitment Act was signed into law in 2021, establishing stringent targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Within this broad environmental framework, the act included exemptions for agricultural producers and transporters regarding fuel-related fees. Currently, an agricultural producer can apply for a rebate run by the Washington State Department of Licensing for up to $4,500. That amount for many farmers was much less than they lost from the CCA fee. However, despite the available exemptions, accessing exempt fuel proved to be significantly complicated in practice. "The formula for figuring out the rebate program was so difficult and complicated for no reason, I know I am not the only person who couldn't figure it out," Dent said. Farmers found it challenging to navigate the complexities associated with obtaining exemption certificates, Dent said, exacerbated further by various logistical hurdles in the supply chain. "Farming is a tough place to be in," Dent said. "We put in an additional tax on farmers, which is just killing them. Even though we put together a rebate program, the rebate program wasn't working very well. It was difficult. It's hard to get people that are already up to their eyeballs busy to do something like that." Under the CCA, agricultural fuel users are exempt from compliance fees if they can provide the necessary documentation. This requirement, however, entailed a cumbersome application process that often deterred farmers from taking full advantage of the benefits, according to Dent. As a result, many farmers were left paying additional fees on their fuel purchases, further squeezing their already tight profit margins, Dent explained. This prompted calls for legislative action to simplify the process. "Most farmers don't sit on a computer every day," Dent said. "This was not necessarily easy for them to do. Some use more technology than others, but it still challenges them to do that, especially in a time where their time is so limited. The idea around this bill was to give them their ongoing exemptions for agricultural fuel that they don't have to pay. They don't have to pay the fee, the tax at all, now." Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, said she remembers fighting for the agriculture fuel exemptions in the Senate when the CCA was being passed. However, like Dent, she felt like the system that was in place was not working for farmers. "Part of that promise was that agriculture would not be impacted by the increase in gas prices or fuel prices," Warnick said. "That didn't hold true." New law House Bill 1912 addresses these barriers by mandating the Washington Department of Ecology to create a comprehensive online directory for retailers selling exempt fuel. The bill also clarifies which types of fuels — gasoline, diesel, biodiesel and propane — are eligible for exemption under the CCA. The exemption is extended for an additional two years, maintaining it until Dec. 31, 2029, enabling further access to a relief mechanism that many farmers have found essential. "Agriculture, it's very hard," Dent said. "To give them some relief on taxes, and then the whole idea was to get it where they wouldn't pay the tax and then get a rebate two or three or four months later. If it's 50 cents a gallon and you bought 20,000 gallons of fuel. It adds up quickly. We didn't want them to have to wait on that money." The legislation has been positively received across party lines, passing the House with a vote of 93-4 and the Senate unanimously. "Well, every little bit helps," Warnick said. "It really does. I think it depends on how many farmers actually apply for this or are paid for fuel usage. I'm hoping it'll have an easier impact than it has been. It was too difficult. It was kind of a complicated process, and so hopefully this will make it a lot easier." Dent noted that the bipartisan support stemmed from a collective recognition of the vital role agriculture plays in Washington's economy. The positive response from the agricultural community underscores the desire for collaborative solutions that support farmers and acknowledge their contributions, he said. "I'm excited because the legislature and governor have recognized the importance of agriculture and the fact that they really need the help," Dent said. "They need financial help, and we finally got it." As the bill establishes clearer guidelines for fuel exemptions, it is also designed to simplify the process for obtaining exempt fuel, thus alleviating some of the financial strain on farmers. Under the new structure, farmers will be able to reference the online directory created by the Department of Ecology to find local sellers of exempt fuel more easily—an approach that Dent said will directly benefit the agricultural sector. Looking forward While House Bill 1912 marks an important moment for Washington farmers, Rep. Dent expressed that this initiative is only the beginning. "I don't think I'm finished with this yet, but that being said, I need a year, and perhaps two years, to see how this thing unfolds," Dent said. "Now begins more work with and also the success of the Climate Commitment Act." He has plans to work on further improvements beyond the lifespan of this legislation, potentially extending exemptions indefinitely. "We have to keep the momentum going," Dent said, elaborating on the need for continuous legislative efforts to support agricultural producers in a rapidly changing economic environment. "Agriculture is a community endeavor, and it's imperative we fortify our systems to ensure they thrive." Another piece, Dent said, he would like to see returned is a fuel exemption for natural gas for the agricultural industry. "We use natural gas in different areas, like they use them in greenhouses and things like that," Dent said. "I would like that back there, too. You take small bites. Did I get everything I wanted? No, but I view it as a big win. We're just going to continue on to see if we can add to it." As various pieces of legislation intersect with agricultural practices, continued advocacy for farmer support remains paramount, he said. "This is not a new thing, and I think we have to be aware and support and strengthen our farm economy and our farmers, in general," Dent said. "One of the things that Franklin D. Roosevelt did, when he was president, that was when the cheap food policy came along. He put together a farm program to keep our farmers, hold our farmers up, keep them in business, because he knew how important it was that we grow our own food. I think it's really important that we grow our own food. We shouldn't depend on another country, when we have done it ourselves and can do it ourselves."
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA farmers get their gas tax exemption. Ferguson signs key bill in Tri-Cities
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson reaffirmed that agriculture is exempt from fuel taxes related to the Climate Commitment Act at an unusual bill signing in Kennewick on Thursday. The Democrat signed 11 bills into law during a swing through the Tri-Cities. Typically, the governor signs bills passed by lawmakers in a conference room outside his office in Olympia. But Ferguson said it was important to visit communities around the state. The bills signed reflect East side priorities, none more pressing that sorting through the confusion that led to farmers paying fuel charges despite being exempt. The ag fuel exemption has been a priority for the industry since Washington implemented its Climate Commitment Act in 2023. The act aims to curb the state's greenhouse gas emissions and included a cap-and-trade system to raise money to invest in sustainable industry. Agriculture was supposed to be exempt. In reality, farmers paid the fees on both gasoline and diesel and had to apply for rebates. The problem was particularly acute for small farmers who fuel up at retail stations, according to Capital Press. Cap-and-trade fees raise costs at the pump as distributors pass the costs on to both gasoline and diesel customers. Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, sponsored a fix. Co-sponsors include Tri-Cities Republican Reps. Stephanie Barnard and April Connors. The bill, officially Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No 1912, exempts fuel used both on- and off the farm from climate commitment fees. It also directs the state Department of Ecology to identify locations where ag operators may purchase exempt fuel, rather than applying for rebates later. Dent served as co-chair for Ferguson's agricultural subcommittee as he transitioned into office. He said the incoming governor pledged to support his work to address the fuel charge problem. Dent traveled to the Tri-Cities to stand next to the governor as he signed the bill. The fuel tax bill was a 'heavy lift,' Dent said. 'The governor kept his word.' Ferguson called it a 'great' bill and said he was pleased to honor the Climate Commitment Act's promise to exempt agriculture from the fees. The bill passed 93-4 in the House in March and 49-0 in the Senate on April 16. Ferguson signed 10 other bills at a crowded ceremony hosted by the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC). Senate Bill 5543. The bill, sponsored by Tri-Cities Republican Sen. Matt Boehnke, expands eligibility for college scholarships. House Bill 1253 allowing public utilities to enter joint use agreements with private companies. House Bill 1258: The Spokane-focused bill clarifies how the city and county share fees for the regional 911 system. House Bill 1648 clarifies child care provider qualifications. House Bill 1934 redacts personally identifying information from certain records released under the Public Records Act. House Bill 936 makes it easier for retired school employees to work in schools Senate Bill 5305 provides additional time to carry out the Yakima River basin integration plan. Senate Bill 5323 enhances penalties related to the theft and possession of property stolen from first responders. Senate Bill 5485 extends the state's livestock identification program. Senate Bill 5682 concerns the state's employment training program.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump energy emergency latest target for Washington AG
Attorney General Nick Brown (center) announces a lawsuit against the Trump administration in Seattle, Washington, on May 9, 2025, over its declaration of an energy emergency. (Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard) Washington and 14 other states are suing the Trump administration over the president's declaration of an 'energy emergency' to speed up permitting for fossil fuel projects. Issued the day of his inauguration, President Donald Trump's executive order says inadequate domestic energy development and an unreliable grid warrant the national emergency. The order argues these issues are most pronounced in the Northeast and on the West Coast. 'Dangerous State and local policies jeopardize our Nation's core national defense and security needs, and devastate the prosperity of not only local residents but the entire United States population,' the order reads. The order pushes federal agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers, to use 'any lawful emergency authorities' to 'facilitate the identification, leasing, siting, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources, including, but not limited to, on Federal lands.' In practice, this has meant bypassing or quickening reviews under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Historic National Preservation Act for planned energy projects and giving the public less time to weigh in, according to the complaint filed Friday in federal court in Seattle. Washington and California lead the 15-state lawsuit. The lawsuit cites a proposed 100-mile transmission line that would mostly run under the riverbed of the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. The project could be expedited despite water quality concerns. Attorney General Nick Brown noted Trump's order emphasizes oil and natural gas, while excluding renewable energy like wind and solar. 'This is not a serious or lawful effort by the president,' Brown said in a press conference Friday. 'It is all about limiting competition and shackling America to dirty fossil fuels forever.' Last month, the Interior Department announced it would fast-track the approval of coal, gas, oil and mineral projects on public lands in light of Trump's emergency declaration. Environmental reviews that can typically take a year would be shrunk to two weeks. Meanwhile, the United States produces more oil and gas than any other country and production is growing, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The energy emergency order is separate from one the president issued last month targeting state climate policies, including potentially Washington's Climate Commitment Act. Casey Sixkiller, the director of the state Department of Ecology, said the emergency declaration is 'an abuse of authority.' 'Environmental regulations aren't red tape,' Sixkiller told reporters. 'There are guardrails that protect our air, water, land and keep people safe.' Bill Iyall, chair of the Cowlitz Tribe, said it's difficult to weigh in on what projects will mean for the tribe's land when they only have a week or two. 'We are there to advocate for our cultural and natural resources,' Iyall said. 'Looking at a project individually, if you did it carefully and planned it carefully, you would be able to minimize those impacts and get a facilitated permit.' The lawsuit asks a judge to declare the president's order illegal and stop the issuance of emergency permits. The states are not seeking a temporary restraining order to immediately stop the Trump administration's actions, as it has in other cases. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. This marks 17 lawsuits Brown has filed or joined against the Trump administration since January. Four of those came this week, over freezing permitting for wind energy development and funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as dismantling the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Washington challenges federal blocking of wind energy development
May 5—Washington has joined 18 other states in an effort to stop the Trump administration from curtailing wind energy development. According to the lawsuit, filed Monday, President Donald Trump's Jan. 20 memo could impact the state's ability to meet greenhouse gas emissions requirements and renewable energy goals. The memo temporarily froze all areas on the outer continental shelf from offshore wind leasing and also blocked new rights for wind on public lands. The Jan. 21 memo said there were "alleged legal deficiencies underlying the Federal Government's leasing and permitting of onshore and offshore wind projects." According to the attorney general's office, federal agencies have also stopped all permitting and approval activities. The lawsuit alleges the order violates the Administrative Procedure Act and other federal laws. "We can't unleash American energy by kneecapping some of the fastest growing, most innovative, and cleanest resources in the country," Attorney General Nick Brown said in a statement. "Without a robust clean energy economy, we will see worsening climate change, more expensive energy from toxic fossil fuels, fewer jobs, and fewer solutions to our greatest challenges." The lawsuit alleges the executive order could thwart Washington's attempt to meet standards laid out in the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Passed by the legislature in 2019, the law sets a 2045 deadline for the state's electricity supply to be free of greenhouse-gas emissions. According to the lawsuit, Washington could also struggle to meet a 2050 deadline to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions 95% by 2050, as laid out in the Climate Commitment Act. "Wind power has been and will continue to be a vital tool for Washington to meet its climate and renewable-energy goals," the complaint states. Washington is third in the country for utility-scale renewable energy generation. Wind power is the second largest contributor to Washington's renewable energy output, after hydroelectric power. In 2024, Washington generated 8,421 megawatt-hours from wind power. One megawatt-hour is roughly enough energy to power 1,000 houses for an entire year. Washington is also expanding its wind -power capacity, including the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project in Benton County, which could contribute an additional 1,150 megawatts each year. "Wind power is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy for Washington. It is an abundant and sustainable energy source that does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions," the complaint states. "In contrast to fossil fuels, which are often subject to volatile market conditions, wind power enhances Washington's energy security and economic stability." In 2023, wind power accounted for roughly 10% of the country's electrical output. Trump has frequently criticized wind power, both while in office and while campaigning, and has instead sought to ramp up domestic oil production. Prior to taking office, Trump said during a January media conference that wind mills "litter" the country. "The only people who want them are the people getting rich off of windmills, getting massive subsidies from the U.S. government," Trump said. "So we're going to try and have a policy where no windmills are being built." Trump has also often spoken of negative impacts on the climate from windmills. During the same media conference, Trump said "the windmills are driving the whales crazy, obviously."
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What's driving up gas prices in Washington and 4 ways you can save
Drivers in Washington are frustrated at the high price of gas and the condition of the state's highways. Despite the Evergreen State having the third-highest gas tax in the country, our roads consistently rank among the top 10 for worst roads in the country. Construction Coverage ranks Washington as the #10 state with the worst roads, and U.S. News and World Report ranks Washington #7 for worst road quality. State lawmakers are pointing the finger at inflation. 'We see egg prices at the grocery store. Well, concrete prices have been going up even faster,' said Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. 'So buying power for our transportation investments is falling short each year. And that means we're repaving less and less highway,' he said. That was the biggest driver behind lawmakers passing an additional six-cent tax per gallon on gasoline over the weekend. But the factors making fuel so expensive in the Evergreen State go far beyond taxes - and will continue to drive up costs for drivers. GAX TAX: The change in the gas tax will kick in July 1, 2025, increasing the rate from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents per gallon. Making fuel even more expensive, the gas tax will also increase by 2% every year. Diesel drivers will see a hike too - 3 cents in July, and another 3 cents in 2027, then a 2 percent hike annually starting the following year. Over six years, the new tax will raise $3.2 billion for the state's transportation budget. Drivers KIRO 7 spoke with are somewhere between furious and disappointed. 'Yeah, it sucks,' said Joel Garland, a driver from Federal Way. 'The regular people were struggling just to try to survive already,' he said. Gas taxes in Washington state are the third highest in the country already, behind California and Pennsylvania. The six-cent increase keeps us in third place, but it doesn't count in other factors driving up the price. Why is gasoline already so expensive in Washington? Our state has no income tax, so lawmakers heavily rely on the gas tax to fund road projects. The state constitution mandates that gas tax funding be used for things like building and repairing roads and Washington State Patrol policing highways. 'The highest portion of our revenues is the gas tax. It's unfortunate that it's that way, but the reality is if you're going to raise money, you have to raise the gas taxes,' said Rep. Jake Fey, D-Tacoma, who chairs the House Transportation Committee. GEOGRAPHY: Another reason for our more expensive fuel: Washington's primary petroleum supplier is pricier, coming from Alaska and Canada instead of the South or Southeast because of geography - the mountain ranges block easy transport of crude oil to the west. The bulk of Washington's crude oil is turned into gasoline at one of our state's five refineries. CAP AND TRADE: Plus, Washington's Climate Commitment Act, or cap and trade program, charges the state's biggest carbon emitters for carbon credits past a certain level. Companies end up passing that cost along to you. 'Anytime a gallon of gas is sold in Washington State, whether it is produced in state or out of state, it gets taxed,' said Todd Myers, vice president of research at the Washington Policy Center. The think tank has been critical of Washington's cap and trade policy. It says currently, cap and trade adds about 40 cents per gallon for the consumer (though the Washington Department of Ecology believes the number is lower). And brace yourselves - soon, you'll be shelling out even more. In 2030, Washington is dramatically lowering its carbon emissions target, which means companies will have to pay even more for credits - and you'll likely pay more to fill up. 'Should people really be preparing to pay significantly more at the pump?' KIRO7's Deedee Sun asked Myers. 'Yeah, absolutely,' he said. 'The only question is how much more,' Myers said. People say the gas prices are surging at a time when they're already concerned about making ends meet. 'What would you say to your constituents who are worried?' KIRO7's Deedee Sun asked Sen. Liias, D-Edmonds. 'Construction inflation has moved faster even than inflation,' Liias said. He says that's part of the reason why the state's transportation budget faced such a big budget gap. 'I'm seeing more potholes than I can remember in my lifetime on our highways,' he said. He points to aging infrastructure – like the Fairfax Bridge to Mount Rainier that had to be shut down this month, to things like repair work such as Revive I-5. 'That's what the gas tax pays for. So we're trying to balance that with the reality that folks are having a tough time affording,' Liias said. However, KIRO7 discovered, cap and trade is generating more money than expected. 'Why can't we use that money for roads instead?' Sun asked Rep. Fey. 'We made a promise about how this money was going to be spent,' Fey said. Lawmakers say cap and trade money is intended for things that lower greenhouse gases – like electrifying ferries, getting kids free rides on public transit, and adding bike lanes. 'To do a substitution, I think, goes against promises that we made,' Fey said. 'We're doing the best we can,' he said. SAVING AT THE PUMP: So what can you do to save money at the pump? KIRO7 checked in with AAA Washington for tested ways to cut down on spending. 1) You must price compare. Gas Buddy or AAA's apps both help you do that. For example, a Chevron in Renton last week was charging $4.57 per gallon when you pay with credit or debit. A few blocks away, the Fred Meyer was charging $4.19 – or 38 cents less. That's a difference of $300 dollars per year! 2) Remember some stations offer a discount if you pay with cash. That same Renton Chevron was charging 14 cents less per gallon for cash purchasers. 3) Slow down: AAA Washington says, 'reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14 percent.' 4) Avoiding excessive idling. AAA says a car engine uses up to half a gallon per hour when idling. Starting up a warm engine uses about 10 seconds worth of fuel. So if you're going to be stopped for more than a minute and it's safe to turn off your car, you'll save fuel if you do so. Meanwhile some drivers say what would help most? 'Well, just quit taxing us,' said Nelson Vitous, a driver in Renton.
