The Democrat-controlled Senate Ways & Means Committee just pushed forward a bill to supercharge Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard — because apparently $4.39 gas just isn’t painful enough. Critics say this move could add another 40 cents per gallon by 2031. But hey, what’s a little more financial pain when you’re chasing climate bragging rights?

Sen. Keith Wagoner (R–Sedro Woolley) warned the new schedule is wildly unrealistic: “We’re not even sure where this new clean fuel is coming from or whether we can manufacture it or not.” His GOP colleague Sen. Ron Muzzall (R–Oak Harbor) called the plan “completely unattainable,” since Washington doesn’t even have the feedstock to make it work — and is basically relying on the Midwest to make up the difference.

Wagoner offered a commonsense amendment to scale back the changes, calling it a “gentle approach.” Naturally, that was rejected by Sen. June Robinson (D–Everett), the committee chair, who’s more concerned about “aligning” with California and Oregon than addressing the gaping holes in the plan.

The House already passed the bill 54–41 along party lines. Originally it called for a 45% cut in carbon intensity by 2038, but now it’s been tweaked to allow the Department of Ecology to crank that goal up to 55% — as long as some vaguely defined “contingencies” are met. Translation: they’ll do it anyway.

Because in Washington, climate optics > reality. And drivers? Just collateral damage. Read more at Center Square.

With less than three weeks left to plug a $16 billion budget hole, House Democrats just voted to jack up hunting and fishing license fees for the first time in over a decade — because when in doubt, squeeze the folks who rely on the outdoors to put food on the table.

Senate Bill 5583 would hike fees by 38% starting July 1, which Democrats are calling an “inflationary adjustment.” That’s one way to describe it. Another way: pricing out low-income families who actually use these licenses. The move is expected to bring in over $100 million by 2035, even though the state’s own fiscal note admits it’ll cause an 11% drop in sales.

Rep. Debra Lekanoff (D–Anacortes) defended the hike as critical during a “revenue crisis” — which, let’s be honest, is mostly self-inflicted. Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D–West Seattle) called it “unfortunate but necessary,” a phrase that’s becoming Democrats’ favorite justification for every tax or fee hike they cook up.

Republicans weren’t having it. Rep. Matt Marshall (R–Eatonville) said the hike punishes the wrong people, especially those who hunt and fish to help feed their families. He pointed out that Idaho residents can get a three-year fishing license for just $10 more than what Washingtonians will soon pay for a single year.

Democrats also shot down GOP amendments that would’ve softened the blow — including phased-in increases, reduced fees for vets and low-income residents, and even higher bag limits. But no, better to get the cash now and pretend it’s about sustainability.

The bill now heads to the House Rules Committee, and from there, likely to the floor. Just in time to remind Washingtonians that when the budget’s busted, Democrats don’t tighten their belts — they tighten yours. Read more at Center Square.

The Washington Senate unanimously passed a $7.3 billion capital budget for 2025–27, with all 47 senators—including Republicans and Democrats—on board. Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) praised the trust and teamwork behind the plan, which funds schools, housing, colleges, and fish hatcheries. Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) called it a “One Washington budget.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Bob Ferguson has already rejected earlier operating budgets from both chambers, claiming they raised taxes too much. Rep. Travis Couture (R-Allyn) says there’s a “multi-billion-dollar chasm” between Ferguson’s demands and what lawmakers passed.

The House is pushing a similar $7.6 billion version. Once both are reconciled, it’ll land on Ferguson’s desk. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.

Democrats in Olympia just pushed their rent control bill one step closer to reality, ignoring warnings from landlords, economists, and even some of their own. Engrossed House Bill 1217 passed out of the Senate Ways & Means Committee Monday with a do-pass recommendation—thanks entirely to Democratic votes.

The bill would cap rent hikes at 7% for apartments and 5% for mobile homes. Supporters claim it’s about “housing stability.” Critics—who actually understand supply and demand—warn it’ll tank development and shrink rental supply. Even Longview’s Democratic Mayor Spencer Boudreau is sounding the alarm, saying 1,000 units in his city could be sold off if this passes.

Republicans offered reasonable amendments to account for capital improvements and at least study the bill’s impact. Democrats shot them all down. They even rejected a cautionary amendment from Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver), who dared to suggest tenants might need more than 60 days’ notice before big changes.

The bill now heads to the Senate Rules Committee. With the session ending April 27, Democrats are running out of time—but not out of bad ideas. Read more at Center Square.

An explosion rocked a Tesla charging station in Lacey early Tuesday morning, causing “extensive damage” but no injuries. The incident occurred just after 1:30 a.m. in front of the Target at South Sound Center, according to Lacey Police.

Officers responded to reports of a loud boom and found the EV charging station heavily damaged. Detective Sergeant Jeremy Knight told The Jason Rantz Show they’re working with federal partners, including the FBI, and are treating it as a possible targeted attack.

The FBI’s Seattle office is now leading the investigation. Read more at KTTH.

Olympia has more than doubled state spending over the last decade, and now they want you to pay for it with even more taxes—on your home, your business, and your budget.

Washington Policy Center is urging Governor Ferguson to stay strong and reject the Legislature’s reckless tax proposals:

• A property tax expansion that would make housing even less affordable
• A job-killing B&O tax hike on small businesses
• All while families are still struggling under inflation

Enough is enough. Sign the petition to thank the governor for opposing destructive tax hikes—and to demand a responsible, no-new-taxes budget that puts people first.

Add your name now and help put a stop to Olympia’s spending addiction.

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