Jay Inslee took time away from this week’s “Watch Your Wallet” press conferences tour to announce his plan to ignore the legislature while implementing his gas-price raising fuel mandate scheme. And, in the ultimate insult to his fellow elected officials, Inslee told them he would not be asking them to vote on his plans, instead informing them of how he “will proceed with further consideration of a clean fuel standard” using the bureaucracy to run the show.
Inslee’s letter begins by claiming that his Office of Financial Management (OFM) “completed its evaluation of the costs and benefits and the technical and policy considerations” of his fuel mandate. Amazingly, Inslee’s budget writers didn’t discover that his gas tax scheme could raise prices by $1.17 a gallon (like one of his previous consultants did), but instead their “evaluation indicates that costs of the program are relatively small—for example, gasoline costs might rise by two cents per gallon by 2020.”
Yesterday, the Oregonian warned its readers to beware of Democrat governors who make absurd claims concerning the economic benefits of a fuel mandate. Studies prove the volatility of fuel mandates—Inslee’s consultants estimated a $1 plus per gallon gas tax and the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) found Inslee’s fuel mandate would cost Washington State more than 11,000 jobs over the next five years. Yet, Inslee persists in ignoring and denying these studies.
Inslee goes on to inform the legislators that he has asked the Department of Ecology to draft a fuel mandate. The Department will then “solicit review and comments on the draft rule, to include consultation with legislators and other governments…”
Inslee’s desire to give off the appearance that he is including legislators in his fuel mandate plans by opening it up for “review and comments” is just that… an appearance. Inslee’s mind is set – consider how he is ignoring the advice of his own carbon emissions reduction task force – and it is clear he will push for a fuel mandate and will refuse to listen to alternative points of view.
Our green governor revealed his true attitude when, according to sources, he called Sen. Curtis King—chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee—a “fear monger” when King challenged him on his fuel mandate intentions earlier this year, and the inevitable negative impact that pursuing a fuel mandate via executive order would have on state transportation package negotiations.
You can read Inslee’s letter here.
Eastside Sanity says
When was the last time a liberal progressive democrat from Washington State didn’t cost its citizens more money? Answer: NEVER!!! It’s TAX & SPEND as usual. This proposal from Jay Inslee is insane. The cost to everything from food to housing will increase by large margins, the economy will tank and spiral to all time lows never seen before. When fuel cost hit $4.50 a gallon again and you add $1.17 from this proposal, do the math, you’re pushing $6.00 a gallon. End Game! This just might be the one thing that could elect a republican governor.
Don Charles Steinke says
Those states which have done the most to curb pollution, have the fast growing economies.
Biff says
You have a source for those claims? Nah, didn’t think so.
YouCanFlipItHowYouLike says
Those states which have fast growing economies suffer increased pollution as a result, and are then forced to “do more” to “curb pollution”.
scooter says
No, the states that tell the eco-terrorists to go piss up a rope have the fastest growing economies.
Donald Gault says
he acts like Obama, doesent matter what happens he just wants that power
Don Charles Steinke says
The law requires we reduce carbon pollution.
Mike Moore says
Then change the law, I know i never voted for that law.
Biff says
There is no such thing as “carbon pollution”, CO2 is plant food. Plants in turn poop out oxygen for us to breathe.
fedup_now says
The ‘environmentalists’ keep harping on carbon dioxide being evil, but the reality is (and I agree with you here) that it is instrumental in our existence.
KasiaJordanKelley says
The law pushed on us by liberals who are dellusional in manufacturing pollution myths. The facts are we are not polluting more than 100, 200 years ago. Its Al Gore manufactured business plan, to extract more money from economy. Lets tax the liberals, make it voluntary. No, liberals hide behind unions and want to tax hard working people. Add more fees to gas, food prices will go up, everything we buy , clothing, will go up, poverty will go up, because people will not be able to afford food, fuel to go to work. Democrats are creating poverty in this country, while paying those who elect them by exemptions and credits. So their elections are guaranteed.
Daler says
Jay *INSANESLEE* is drawing in all the “ALGORITES” to his side.Ever see the middle word in this: envioronMENTALists.
Donald Gault says
vote republician
Dee Smith says
NEVER.That is the party full of HATE…. Why would we vote in hateful people in the North West, we are better then that here!
RightWingPooFlinger says
Dee, you’re an idiot and a liar. Turn off the MSNBC and join reality.
Daler says
Dee. You have NO idea what you’re talking about. You are only spewing out the hatred BS of the liberal party. TRY THINKING FOR YOURSELF AND EDUCATING YOURSELF BEFORE YOU OPINE ABOUT THINGS.
Kris Langley says
Irony alert
ThenVsThanBot says
Better then that? Or better than that?
rams375 says
Where were you born? You are part of the problem. Welfare and other government plans mean to keep you controlled as you obviously are to believe socialist ideology. Where in Gods’ name do you figure hate comes in? I suppose you would rather rely on others for your protection and thought process, and how about your muslim buddies that hate you unless you are a muslim? If not I hope they come to your house first and defile your home and life. It is not hatred that drives Conservatives it is common sense and love of the Constitution. Most cattle and sheep think the grass is always greener on the other side, like liberals they can be herded easily and led to slaughter. Have a wonderful life spewing your ignorance.
fedup_now says
Your party is the one that wants women to have strength through killing her unborn child…even if it is born alive, they want the right to leave the newborn to die. Sounds like that is a pretty hateful thing to do, at least to me it does.
scooter says
You live in a bubble with absolutely no outside news sources, don’t you? With what’s going on in Mo., and NY and you can still say something like that, you’re one of those low info voters I like to ridicule for being clueless on just about everything.
Chris Bornstedt says
WTF?
fedup_now says
He isn’t a flipping emperor. He does NOT have the legal right to do so and will be breaking the law if he attempts to.
Not only this, but something like this would kill EVERYTHING in Washington state.
Don Charles Steinke says
This will trigger an economic boom. We send $14 billion out of state each year into fossil fuel bank accounts. Let’s keep that money in our state, producing our own energy, and creating jobs.
fedup_now says
Sure…I would like some of what you are smoking…More like $14 billion would LEAVE the state. Businesses and everyday people can’t afford more money being sucked out like it currently is.
Keith Erickson says
Economic boom for moving companies.
Biff says
Yeah, let’s power our state with unicorn farts
Don Charles Steinke says
The law requires us to reduce carbon pollution to 1990 levels by 2020.
The courts require us to spend more on schools.
The voters want smaller class sizes.
We are driving more fuel efficient cars, and thus purchasing less gasoline and thus paying less for roads.
What would you do?
fedup_now says
Not screw over the people who pay taxes in this state.
The “Fuel efficient cars” is a lemming. There were cars that got around 50 MPG in the 1990s…ever hear of a Geo Metro? Wait another few years and all these priuses will be big time polluters when the batteries start dying (that you can’t recycle)
The reason why people are buying less gas is because of the cost of gas is so much…they have nothing left to use. Also, inflation has skyrocketed. But keep beating the Dem. drum. No one believes you anymore.
Molly says
We have no choice but to go on spending above our means, therefore no choice but to implement another job-destroying fuel policy? Why don’t you stop buying all the bull dished out by Democrats and learn to think on your own?
Mike Moore says
Change the law.
Anthony says
The big topic about this that stands out the most, every time I hear about it is, the cost. One prick says a few cents, while another says dollars. It’s very clear that the truth is not being represented. A special emphasis is being placed on this and it reminds me of the time I was told I could “keep my doctor”… I recognized the bull shit then, and nothing has changed now. I suggest being prepared to be screwed over, big time
Richard Ward says
Definitely a hostile article. I do not trust this analysis. Reducing carbon emissions is very important, climate-change denial notwithstanding.
fedup_now says
I know everything that I need to know about carbon dioxide in 8th grade science class. Plants put out Oxygen and need Carbon Dioxide to breath. Plants do better with carbon dioxide and can withstand drought better than without. Animals need Oxygen that they produce. Carbon dioxide being evil is nothing more than a hoax put out people who want to shake up the energy companies, who also want to increase taxes to stuff their own coffers.
Only people in denial are those who make out that the climate should stay constant and has never changed over time.
Dart4forte says
Recall
Robert J. Olmstead says
how about impeach him because he is a dumb ass, just like the other Washington
Matthew Langham says
Think about it. Global warming is about the SUN’S solar cycle. It has nothing to do with man made influences.
RightWingPooFlinger says
This is what voting for wacky moonbats brings you. It’s like people didn’t know he was a moonbat, and they’re suddenly surprised.
fedup_now says
I know…the same way with Obama. Obama’s actions have shown over and over again the type of person he was…It wasn’t surprising me that the person who created Obamacare stated that they were able to do so with the “Stupidity of the American voter”..what did surprise me is that he was so honest about the comments.
Corey Gauny says
He is full of crap…It is a way for him to generate revenue through taxes. When will politicians realize that their job is not to “generate revenue” their charge is to be a public servant and be a good steward of taxpayer money. While hiding behind the sin tax for fuel as a measure to clean up the air, the truth is that it will cause one of two things…more dependency on the government to provide public transportation and a decline in the economy because the cost will be passed on to the working class commuter who needs their job.
Daler says
Stand up *RIGHT NOW* and LOUDLY if you want this to stop BEFORE it happens!!! Show some backbone, people!
fedup_now says
Exactly what can we do? I have plans on calling Inslee’s office, but last time I had called, the person informed me that I didn’t know what I was talking about, and pretty much stated that my comments were not reality, even though I have EVERY RIGHT to call that office and make my statements known..as long as it is not a threat, that office has a duty to listen to what I have to say.
scooter says
That’s your open and transparent liberal government for you.
Kris Langley says
I am laughing my a$$ off at you schmoes. I don’t care what challenges exist in my place of residence, and the cost of getting out of Say WA after 22 years. You guys elected a soup sandwich for governor.
rams375 says
Referendum or recall is available if this idiot continues his arrogant BS.
marykellogg says
I’m leaving this blood sucking state in exactly 352 days when I retire. Lots of lovely places here, but this sort of mentality makes being a retiree here very, very hard, impossible. I’ll take my pension(s) where I can, excuse the pun, get more mileage out of them!
fedup_now says
I don’t believe that this state is hopeless. The huge problem is when Seattle and Tacoma decide everything. The state could easily overcome those two holes, easily, if people would vote…which is what is needed to correct their “ME” attitude.
Chip Snow says
Don’t blame me. I didn’t vote for this piece of Sh*t.
[email protected] says
Hey ;; WHO’S UP FOR A RECALL PETITION?
Kent McMullen says
Dee Smith: You are a typical liberal spewing the talking points that Republicans are hateful people and then stating that we are better then (sic) that. How ironic that you think yourself to be better than others! Liberals always think they’re smarter, but when it comes to dealing with FACTS, they resort to name-calling and ideology.
glb says
And the rich get richer because they can afford the hybrid. Why don’the they find a way to collect from them to help pay for road repairs and improvements.